University of Derby students honoured with top IQ Awards

The 2904 Institute of Quarrying (IQ) in the UK has honoured the highest achieving students from the University of Derby Higher Education programmes through the partnership with the Mineral Products Centre, with a series of awards presented at a ceremony on Wednesday night (8 February).
    
Martin Riley, IQ deputy chairman, presented six awards to the highest performing students from a variety of industry recognised Higher Education qualifications, which are delivered by the University of Derby in partnership with IQ.
 
The 6377 Goodwin Barsby Award, originally endowed by Leicester-based manufacturers Goodwin Barsby, was awarded to Dominic Hodgson, 37, for Best Honours Degree Student 2016. Dominic, employed by 1343 Hanson, is now based at Barton Quarry in Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire.
 
The Reginald W Coles Prize, bequeathed in memory of Mr. R. W. Coles, a past president of IQ, was awarded to Robert Kelly, 39, for Best Foundation Degree Student 2016. Robert, employed by 868 Tarmac, is now based at Howick Quarry in Northumberland.
 
The Peter Preston Award, bestowed by the late Peter Preston, managing director of the Cliffe Hill Granite Co, was awarded to Nicholas Jackson, 25, for Best Diploma Student 2016. Nicholas, employed by Aggregate Industries, is now based at Cookstown Cement Plant in Northern Ireland.
 
The Ransomes Rapier Award, endowed by the historical excavator manufacturers, was awarded to Daniel James, 24, for Best Higher Apprentice 2016. Daniel, employed by Hanson, is now based at Sutton Courtenay Quarry and Appleford Depot in Oxfordshire.
 
Two 8548 Longcliffe Calcium Carbonate Awards of Excellence were also awarded to Lee Preater, first year student, and Robert Symes, second year student, both from Tarmac, for Foundation and Certificate Year respectively. Lee, 37, is based at Stancombe Office in Bristol, and Robert, 41, is based at Eysey Manor Quarry in Wiltshire.
 
Julian Smallshaw, IQ head of education, commented: “The best performing students on the minerals courses at the University of Derby have always been honoured with these awards.  Just like their predecessors when the courses were run at Doncaster and Leeds, these awards help to find the rising stars of the industry. These talented individuals can expect to go on and develop rewarding careers in the mineral extractives industry.”
 
Mark Osbaldeston, manager, Centre for Mineral Products, added: “The Mineral Products Centre at the University of Derby is renowned for delivering industry respected qualifications for the mineral extractives industry.  In recognising the hard work and achievements of the students, the IQ awards provide a platform for aspiring individuals to reach their full potential.”