Starting my career - Minerals Matter

Changing perceptions and encouraging diversity

It’s not just about digging!

With more than 81,000 people working in the mineral products industry in the UK, across multiple sites and job roles, it’s actually a more varied sector to work in than you might think.

Employers and industry bodies recognise how important it is to build an inclusive and diverse workforce. The industry is constantly evolving and increasingly placing equality at the heart of business success.

Attracting people from a wide range of backgrounds means being able to draw on more skills and expertise to promote different ways of working. This means workplaces have a fairer, respectful and collaborative culture that feel inclusive for everyone.

Some of the industry’s biggest clients are choosing only to work with companies because of their commitments to equality, inclusion and diversity.

Whether you’re a school leaver, graduate or wanting to change career, find out here how you can start your career in the industry.

There are also lots of different job roles. Whatever you’re interested in, there’ll be something for you!

As well as reading the information and watching the videos on this site, we recommend:

Where to start...

Teachers & Career Leads

Download our Teachers & Career Leads pack to use in your school

Download

School leavers

Still at school and researching your career options?

If you’re still at school or college, there are lots of ways to get into the minerals industry.

Find out more

Graduates

About to graduate or already have your degree? Find out more about graduate routes into the industry, which include:

Post-graduate schemes
Internships

Find out more

Career changers

Considering a change of direction? There are plenty of ways you can switch and get into the industry, including:

Apprenticeships
Higher technical qualifications
Armed forces support

Find out more

Talking to a careers’ advisor

A careers advisor can help you make decisions about your career by providing relevant advice, information and guidance.

Find your local advisors via the National Careers Service website or speak to your Careers Leader and/or Careers Advisor at your school, college or university. If you’re not sure who to speak to, your education provider should have their details on their website, or you can email info@minerals-matter.co.uk for help

Talk to your family and friends

Your parent(s), guardian, carer and/or other adults in your life will have workplace experience that you can learn from and networks you can connect to.

Careers fairs and events

There may be local careers fairs or events near you and online, where you can meet employers, sixth forms, further education colleges, universities, and training providers . Attending these events area great way to build your networks and even find out vacancy information, such as apprenticeships.

Check out National Careers Week each March too.

Online research

View all the different work and study choices available to you at Get the jump: explore your education and training choices, National Careers Service. Don’t forget Google, YouTube and other online platforms to do some more research!

For details of the latest vacancies, internships, apprenticeships, and career pathways, please click onto the employers’ links below

What's it like?

Don’t take our word for it! Read or watch some of the stories from people already working in the minerals industry to find out what it’s like.