Building a Career in Minerals: Insights from Hazen Bowskill

The minerals industry is built on expertise, adaptability, and a commitment to shaping the future workforce. Hazen Bowskill, Operations Manager at Tarmac, represents all three – bringing over 24 years of experience alongside a clear passion for inspiring young people to explore careers in the sector.

A Career Built on Variety and Experience

For Hazen, a career in minerals has been defined by breadth, progression, and continuous learning.

As Operations Manager, he oversees two operational hard rock quarries, which also include deposits of Permian desert sand, alongside managing a wharf in Middlesbrough supplied by dredgers working sandbanks in the North Sea.

Reflecting on his career, Hazen’s experience spans almost every corner of the minerals sector – from hard rock and sand and gravel to engineering and asphalt production. He has worked his way through a wide range of roles, including becoming a competent shotfirer and Explosives Supervisor.

“I’ve been in the industry for 24 years and have worked across so many areas,” he explains. “That’s one of the biggest strengths of this sector – you’re constantly learning and developing.”

Why the Minerals Sector Stands Out

Ask Hazen what he enjoys most, and the answer is clear: the sheer range of opportunities.

“The choice and variety of careers within the industry is massive,” he says. “One day I could be working with a ship captain, the next with HR, a geologist, or someone in IT.”

From managing site operations and overseeing blasting activities to engaging with the public and handling operational planning, Hazen values the balance between technical, managerial, and people-focused aspects of the role.

“I enjoy the challenge of each day,” he adds. “It keeps you engaged and always thinking.”

Inspiring Through Outreach and Hands-On Learning

Beyond operations, Hazen has spent the past six years as a STEM Ambassador, and more recently as a Minerals Matter Ambassador, working directly with schools to bring STEM subjects to life.

His approach is simple: make learning practical, engaging, and fun.

From demonstrating pulley systems to exploring friction and air resistance, Hazen focuses on hands-on activities that allow students to see and feel how engineering principles work. One recent highlight involved building catapults using lolly sticks, rubber bands, and wooden spoons – an activity that quickly captured students’ attention.

For Hazen, those moments are what make outreach so worthwhile – particularly when students gain confidence and recognition for their efforts.

Supporting the Next Generation of Talent

Hazen’s motivation for getting involved in Minerals Matter is rooted in a clear concern: fewer young people are choosing STEM subjects as they progress through education.

“I think it’s really important to inspire the next generation,” he explains. “There’s been a decline in students choosing STEM at GCSE, A-level and degree level – and our industry needs those skills.”

By engaging with students early, he hopes to open their eyes to the breadth of opportunities available within the minerals sector – many of which they may never have considered.

“If I can influence even a few pupils to think about this as a career as they move through school,” he says, “that would be an amazing achievement.”

“The best part is seeing the reaction from the children,” he says. “Especially those who might struggle with traditional classroom learning but really come into their own when it’s hands-on.”

A Lasting Impact

Hazen Bowskill’s story is one of experience, enthusiasm, and impact. From managing complex operations across quarries and marine supply chains to inspiring young minds in the classroom, he embodies the spirit of the Minerals Matter Ambassador programme.

His journey highlights not only the scale and diversity of the minerals industry, but also the people behind it – individuals committed to keeping it moving forward.

“You never know where a career in this industry can take you,” he reflects. “That’s what makes it so exciting to share.”