Harrison, a T Level student from Frome, has been spending one day a week at Whatley. Picture: Heidelberg Materials

Engineering students get hands-on experience thanks to Someret quarry partnership

Paul JonesJanuary 18, 20260 Comment0

A NEW partnership is giving young people the chance to undertake an apprenticeship at a Somerset business.

Heidelberg Materials’ Whatley quarry has joined forces with the Somerset Studio School, in Radstock, and the Somerset Earth Science Centre, to help nurture the next generation of engineers.

The partnership gives students valuable hands-on experience in the quarry as part of their Engineering T Level qualification.

Harrison T, from Frome, has been spending one day per week at Whatley quarry, completing the 45-day industry placement required for the qualification, equivalent to three A Levels and designed to prepare students for skilled employment, further study or apprenticeships.

During the placement, 17-year-old Harrison has gained experience in areas including materials, product types, and health and safety, as well as working alongside mechanical maintenance teams and the electrical department.

“My industry placement at Whatley quarry is a great opportunity to see engineering in action,” he said.

“I’m learning how plant and machinery, including the wash plant, are maintained, how safety is managed and how different teams work together to support the quarry’s operations.

“It’s giving me skills that I wouldn’t get in a classroom alone, and I’m excited to pursue a career in the construction industry after completing this course.”

Vincent Pitt, area manager at Heidelberg Materials, said: “The T Level qualification is an important addition to our early careers pipeline.

“It introduces young people to careers in quarrying and construction and we hope it will help to address the skills shortages across the sector.”

And Dr Gill Odolphie, education manager at Somerset Earth Science Centre, added: “This is a great way to get young people into our industry, and we already have other colleges lining up wanting placements for their students.

“We’re glad to have been able to help facilitate this and hats off to the amazing team at Whatley for supporting students gain such valuable experience in our industry.”

Sarah Jackson, T Level Work Placement Coordinator at MNSP Trust, which runs Somerset Studio School, said: “The T Level qualification is a brilliant qualification, allowing students to study and gain hands-on experience. Being able to work with local industries is really vital to the students’ success and their future.

“We are so pleased to have the support from Heidelberg Materials and look forward to what the future may hold.”

For more information about career opportunities, including higher apprenticeships, at Heidelberg Materials, visit careers.heidelbergmaterials.co.uk/en.