Tarmac is celebrating the academic excellence of two employees who have received top achievement awards from the Institute of Quarrying (IoQ) during their studies for a degree at the University of Derby in mineral extraction technology.
Gabrielle Jewett, 23, assistant quarry manager at Scorton in North Yorkshire received the Reginald W Coles Prize and Michael Russell, 34, an explosives supervisor at Whitwell Quarry in Derbyshire was awarded the Longcliffe Calcium Carbonates Awards of Excellence.
Martin Riley, senior vice president, Tarmac, said: “I’m really proud of the achievements of both Gabrielle and Michael. These awards demonstrate the dedication of our employees to excel both professionally and academically.
“Award celebrations and events such as this are important to us, as they are evidence of Tarmac’s commitment to developing and supporting people who are a key part of the construction industry.”
During the event, Gabrielle received the Best Overall Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Student in 2019 award. She was praised by her tutors for her commitment and desire to be a high achiever. In her three years of academic learning, Ms. Jewett never missed a tutorial weekend or required a time extension for assignments.
Gabrielle, who first joined the company four years ago in one of the laboratories, added: “Being given the award is one of my proudest achievements, which wouldn’t have been possible without the fantastic support from the teams and management around me at Tarmac.
“One of the best things to come from doing the degree are the connections I have made along the way. I have had the chance to meet some amazing and inspiring people who I know I will remain in contact with throughout my career.”
Meanwhile, Michael was given the award for the Best Performing Mineral Extractives Foundation Degree Student in Year Two. He impressed tutors with his enthusiasm and commitment to learning.
Michael, who first joined the company more than a decade ago as a laboratory technician, commented: “It’s fantastic to have been given the award, something I am delighted about. Having been with Tarmac for more than a decade, with only a brief break in between, I’ve been supported all the way in my studies by my colleagues.”
