Member Article

Quarry introduces students into the world of work

North East construction firm The Owen Pugh Group welcomed students from The Percy Hedley Foundation to its quarry in South Tyneside.

The visit was organised by the Employability Project, which is part of The Percy Hedley Foundation, to give students an insight into the world of work and explore ‘first hand’ the array of opportunities available within the construction industry.

Nine students from Percy Hedley School visited Marsden Quarry in Whitburn. The students were split into two groups, which gave an opportunity to visit and experience both the workings of the quarry itself and the onsite materials testing laboratory. Owen Pugh employees were eager to tell the students about their own jobs and the career opportunities available within the industry.

In the visit to the laboratory the group took part in a quiz about what everyday household items contain lime, and then watched an acid test experiment where Hydrochloric Acid was dripped on limestone to create a reaction that gave off Carbon Dioxide.

Christine Shanks, Employability Project manager said: “This project is a fantastic and innovative way to engage employers and open up opportunities for disabled people. We are grateful to Owen Pugh for giving us the opportunity to visit Marsden Quarry and for giving those students an insight into the ‘real’ world of construction’. The employability project works with employers across the region, raising awareness to disability and breaking down barriers to develop employability opportunities for disabled people and adults along with encouraging businesses to be socially responsible and proactive.

“The students found the whole experience very interesting and thoroughly enjoyed the experiment demonstration. It has given them a deeper understanding and awareness of some of the career opportunities available in the industry. The tour of both the quarry and the laboratory allowed them to experience working life in this field and routes for possible employment. It’s important that students are not discouraged from pursuing employment opportunities because of any disabilities they have, and the Owen Pugh team were really welcoming and encouraging.”

Andy Mountford, general manager of Owen Pugh Aggregates Ltd which operates Marsden Quarry, said: “Owen Pugh is dedicated to encouraging young students, regardless of any disability they may have, to discover more about the varied career opportunities available in the construction sector. The visit from the young people at The Percy Hedley Foundation was a unique opportunity for them to experience our fantastic quarry and laboratory first-hand, helping bring their knowledge of this industry to life. We thoroughly enjoyed working with the students.”

The Owen Pugh Group comprises five trading companies operating in the civil engineering industry, undertaking earthmoving and demolition, drainage and groundworks, plant-hire and haulage, quarrying, inert waste and drain cleaning, and CCTV surveys. The group is headquartered in Dudley near Cramlington, with other bases in Blaydon, Stockton-on-Tees and Bassington Lane in Cramlington, as well as Marsden Quarry. The Owen Pugh Group employs 428 people across its sites.

To find out more about the Owen Pugh Group visit www.owenpugh.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Narrative Integrated Communications .