A 27-year-old from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England, has become one of the first apprentices in the country to complete an industry-leading quarrying education programme. Luke Fairhurst joined leading construction solutions company Tarmac in 2018 and came top of the class in the new Professional Operator Development Programme (PODP) – a vocational qualification in mobile and static operations. The qualification enhanced Fairhurst’s professional understanding of the industry, the equipment and impo
A 27-year-old from Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England, has become one of the first apprentices in the country to complete an industry-leading quarrying education programme.
Luke Fairhurst joined leading construction solutions company Tarmac in 2018 and came top of the class in the new Professional Operator Development Programme (PODP) – a vocational qualification in mobile and static operations.
The qualification enhanced Fairhurst’s professional understanding of the industry, the equipment and important safety practices, including risk assessments and the best ways to maintain plant and equipment. It has helped him in his role at one of Yorkshire’s biggest asphalt and concrete plants, which produces materials used in local and regional infrastructure projects.
Fairhurst said: “I’m really proud to be one of the first in the country to get this new qualification. A lot of people might not be aware of the work that the quarrying and extractives industry does, as it’s often behind the scenes.
“It’s great to be part of creating the built environment of the future and having the support to learn and progress in a rewarding career along the way and I’d encourage anyone interested to explore the opportunities available.”
Lee Mitchell, production manager and Fairhurst’s line manager, said: “Everyone at Cross Green is really proud of Luke for this achievement and it’s great to see him developing his skills in a role he is passionate about. “
Based in the UK’s construction sector, Tarmac is committed to training and skills necessary to excel within the industry. The POPD qualification is an element of Tarmac’s wide range of professional development and training initiatives – irrespective of age – aimed at creating a highly skilled workforce to support the delivery of the UK’s infrastructure ambitions.
