Career Changers - Minerals Matter

Thinking about changing direction and joining the minerals industry?

It’s never too late to try something new and change career direction! Whether you simply fancy a change or are considering it because of redundancy, there are lots of options to get into the minerals industry.

You can access apprenticeships, technical qualifications and post-graduate programmes even if you are well-established in another career.

Exactly what you can access and whether it will be funded will very much depend on what qualifications you already have and what you are interested in doing.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a vocational, on-the-job training, alongside real experience. You have a real job and get paid, while studying for at least 20% of your working hours at college, university or with a training provider.

You can start an apprenticeship even if you have a previous qualification, such as a degree. There are hundreds of apprenticeships available at different levels.

More about apprenticeships

Higher technical qualifications

These technical qualifications are an alternative to apprenticeships and degrees. As the name suggests, higher technical qualifications, often shortened to HTQs, are practical, vocational qualifications.

They include higher national certificates (HNCs), higher national diplomas (HNDs), higher education diplomas and foundation degrees.

They’re also approved by employers, so you will learn relevant skills to equip you for your career.

More about HTQs

Post-graduate schemes

Many employers run post-graduate schemes across the UK. These are designed to encourage new graduates into the minerals industry by providing training, mentoring and professional development opportunities.

Usually these schemes are placements, where you will get to experience all aspects of the business, alongside formal training and perhaps further qualifications to support you on your career journey.

Contact employers

Redundancy

Many people facing redundancy consider retraining and changing career.

Legally, if you’re being made redundant, you’ll be entitled to a notice period and a consultation with your employer. You may also get support with finding a new job and you may be entitled to grants, loans or free courses if you want to retrain.

If you’re facing redundancy and want to switch to working in the minerals industry, consider the routes outlined on this page.

Check out employers’ websites for current vacancies or try industry jobs boards.

Quarry Management jobs board

Armed Forces Service Leavers

The minerals industry is a great career choice for ex armed forces personnel. Many of the skills you have learned in your military career are transferable to roles here, such as operating plant, driving and engineering.

See the RFEA website for support and careers advice or contact employers direct to see what opportunities are available.

Contact employers