UK Career Advice

Quarry Operative: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

What is a Quarry Operative?

As a Quarry Operative, you would be responsible for using heavy machinery to extract minerals and rocks from the ground, often using explosives to loosen these materials. You would also handle machinery that crushes, washes or separates stones and ores after extraction.

How do I become a Quarry Operative?

As a Quarry Operative, you would be responsible for using heavy machinery to extract minerals and rocks from the ground, often using explosives to loosen these materials. You would also handle machinery that crushes, washes or separates stones and ores after extraction.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Quarry Operative?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Quarry Operative

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



Skills

  • Knowledge of quarrying operations and processes
  • Ability to operate heavy machinery and equipment safely
  • Physical strength and stamina for manual labor tasks
  • Understanding of health and safety regulations in the quarrying industry
  • Basic knowledge of stone types and characteristics
  • Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions
  • Good communication skills for effective coordination with colleagues and supervisors
  • Problem-solving skills to address any issues or challenges that may arise during operations
  • Attention to detail for accurate measurement and cutting of stone
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing work environments and tasks

Qualifications & Education

  • No formal academic entry requirements
  • On-the-job training provided
  • NVQs/SVQs available in Drilling Operations and Process Operations (Extractive Industries) at Level 2
  • Minimum age limit of 18 for underground work

Career Path

Quarry Operative
Quarry Supervisor
Quarry Manager
Operations Manager
Construction Project Manager
Civil Engineer
Construction Director
Heavy Equipment Operator
Construction Equipment Supervisor
Construction Equipment Manager
Fleet Manager
Driller and Blaster
Explosives Specialist
Demolition Expert
Health and Safety Officer
Health and Safety Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of quarry clerk?

The duties of a quarry clerk in the UK may include accurately entering data into a load scanner, issuing receipts, collecting payment of invoices from customers via Linx, and ensuring all Linx transactions are accurately collated with paid invoices.

What does a quarry operative do?

A quarry operative is responsible for digging out and processing rock, slate, gravel, and sand from quarries or mines. They may also be referred to as opencast mine workers or opencast miners.

What qualifications do you need to run a quarry?

To run a quarry in the UK, it is recommended to have an education related to mining, quarrying, or geology. It is also beneficial to have a degree in mining engineering, a diploma in surface operations management, or an equivalent institutional certificate.

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