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Overview of the role

Ensuring that sufficient materials and products are available to meet customer requirements.

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Mineral products technician

Details of standard

This standard has options. Display duties and KSBs for:

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in the hazardous Mineral Products Industry which includes quarrying and deep mining. The industry directly employs 78,000 people in the UK and supplies industries with a combined turnover of £495bn. The Mineral Products Industry is a vital enabling sector of the UK economy and is the largest element of the construction supply chain, providing the raw materials to support major infrastructure and building projects.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure that sufficient materials and products are available to meet customer requirements whilst ensuring all health, safety, environmental and quality requirements/legislation are complied with. This is carried out by supervising and coordinating operations in a safe manner whilst maintaining production to meet customer needs as well as optimising production and maintaining facilities to a high standard.

In their daily work an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues within and outside their organisation across all departments, including managers at all levels, contract labour, customers and members of the public. Typically this includes a balance between office and outside work observing and carrying out operational tasks.


Typical responsibilities include:

• optimising the effectiveness of their team by actively participating in daily/weekly briefings, appraisals and reviews;
• working with all members of the management team to continually raise the Health, Safety and Environmental standards of the company;
• ensuring all contractors who carry out work on-site are inducted, monitored and supervised to ensure safe working practices are adhered to;
• ensuring that all plant and equipment is maintained to a high standard and all production systems and products comply with all current quality standards;
• ensuring all company and regulatory inspections and reports and completed;
• liaising with the sales team and customers to ensure the site delivers the highest standard in customer service.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the safe operation of the site and maximising productivity.

Mineral Product Technicians are employed across several mineral extractive industries. These industries include quarrying, concrete production, cement manufacture, cementitious products, asphalt production, ashphalt laying and clay manufacture. They require a detailed technical understanding of the part of the mineral extractive industry in which they work. These key specialist areas are aligned to the titles of the apprenticeship options as follows:

• Mineral Extraction
• Concrete (Readymix and Precast/Prestressed)
• Cement and cementitious products
• Asphalt & Pavements
• Clays (Heavy and White)

Typical job titles include:

Assistant materials manager Cutting shed foreman Extraction supervisor Operations supervisor Prestressed operations supervisor Quarry supervisor

Core occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Take responsibility for employees on site in accordance with the various Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations and guidance (such as Quarry Regulations for example), ensuing everyone working within the site is occupationally competent (as defined by the HSE) and ensuring training and assessment is carried out where necessary.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 2 Effectively challenge unsafe behaviours and conditions in the workplace to help reinforce health & safety over other competing goals to protect employees, contractors, the local communities, other stakeholders and the environment.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 3 Report and investigate near misses, accidents and issues or concerns relating to Health, Safety and the Environment.

K1 K2 K3 K4

S1 S2 S3 S4 S9

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7

Duty 4 Plan, process and produce materials and products such as Minerals, Concrete, Cement, Cementitious Products, Asphalt production, Asphalt laying or Clays.

K1 K2 K4 K5 K6 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13

S1 S2 S5 S6 S7 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17

B2 B4 B7

Duty 5 Identify ways to improve processes by monitoring production process and end product.

K5 K6 K11 K12 K13 K14 K15

S2 S3 S4 S5 S6

B2 B5 B7 B8 B9 B10

Duty 6 Optimise site resources by monitoring order books and deploying employees and resources in the most cost effective and efficient way.

K6 K8 K10 K11 K12 K16

S5 S6 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16

B5 B6 B7

Duty 7 Monitor and report deficiencies across site (performance, product, equipmment) to senior managers, including products, people and equipment.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K11 K12 K13

S4 S5 S10

B2 B3 B4

Duty 8 Explore and evaluate options for reducing or recycling waste.

K4 K11 K12

S6 S7 S11 S12 S13

B1 B2 B3 B6 B10

Duty 9 Communicate with stakeholders verbally and in writing, such as the Health and Safety Executive, customers, managers and environmental groups.

K17 K18 K19

S6 S11 S18

B11 B12 B13

Option duties

Mineral Extraction duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 10 Maximise productivity of mineral extraction processes by making cost effective use of resources, products and equipment.

K19 K20 K21 K22 K23 K24 K25 K26 K27 K28 K29 K30

S19 S20 S21 S22 S23 S24 S25 S26

B1 B2 B3 B8

Concrete (Readymix and Precast/Prestressed) duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 11 Maximise productivity of concrete products by making cost effective use of resources, products and equipment.

K31 K32 K33 K34 K35 K36 K37 K38 K39 K40 K41

S27 S28 S29 S30 S31 S32 S33 S34

B1 B2 B3 B8

Cement and cementitious products duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 12 Maximise productivity of cement and cementitious products by making cost effective use of resources, products and equipment.

K42 K43 K44 K45 K46 K47 K48 K49 K50

S35 S36 S37 S38 S39 S40 S41 S42

B1 B2 B3 B8

Asphalt & pavements duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 13 Maximise productivity of asphalt and pavement products by making cost effective use of resources, products and equipment.

K51 K52 K53 K54 K55 K56 K57 K58 K59 K60 K61

S43 S44 S45 S46 S47 S48 S49 S50 S51

B1 B2 B3 B8

Clays (Heavy and White) duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 14 Maximise productivity of clay products by making cost effective use of resources, products and equipment.

K62 K63 K64 K65 K66 K67 K68 K69 K70

S52 S53 S54 S55 S56 S57 S58 S59

B1 B2 B3 B8


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Relevant Health, Safety Environmental Legislation relevant to their workplace. Back to Duty

K2: The health and safety hazards, major hazards, environmental aspects and risks associated with the operation. Back to Duty

K3: Major hazards associated with the operational site. Back to Duty

K4: Emergency response, process and procedures. Back to Duty

K5: The concepts, theories and practicalities underpinning the safe, efficient operation of the production site Back to Duty

K6: The performance and competency requirements for all operational roles on site including contractors and sub-contractors." Back to Duty

K7: Problem solving tools and techniques. Back to Duty

K8: An understanding of dynamic work Method Statements and Risk Assessments. Back to Duty

K9: Understand the effect of production processes on the supply chain. Back to Duty

K10: Understand the impact of production processes on sustainability Back to Duty

K11: Foundation geo-sciences, such as understanding the geology and chemistry of the materials and its application relevant to the mineral products sector. Back to Duty

K12: The principles of operation of mobile and static plant equipment to produce and process a consistent product to customer and BS EN specifications minimising any waste. Back to Duty

K13: The principles of predictive and preventative maintenance of all mineral products equipment. Back to Duty

K14: Knowledge of relevant quality systems (such as ISO standards) Back to Duty

K15: An understanding of typical customer requirements and constraints Back to Duty

K16: How to establish site costs including cost benefit analysis Back to Duty

K17: Communication techniques, including report writing and methods of making written and oral presentations. Back to Duty

K18: The importance of communicating relevant information with the operational team, customers and all stakeholders. Back to Duty

K19: The importance of liaison with local communities, official bodies and other stakeholders associated with site operations and any impacts they may have. Back to Duty

K20: The minerals extraction processing operations that maximises the use of the resources, maximises products from raw materials, ensures availability of resources and restore spent or worked areas. Back to Duty

K21: The social and economic issues associated with the exploration, exploitation and development of a mineral extraction site. Back to Duty

K22: Different methods of winning and extracting raw material. Back to Duty

K23: Techniques employed to load extracted minerals and viable options to transport extracted minerals and its applications within the industry, including feeding, crushing, screening, washing, separation, classification and beneficiation techniques. Back to Duty

K24: Sustainable development, reclamation of mineral workings, minerals planning, managing waste and an understanding of environmental law and legislation and its implication for the minerals extractive industry. Back to Duty

K25: The requirements of blasting in a safe and environmentally conscious manner, without risk of causing injury or damage whilst optimising overall operating costs. Back to Duty

K26: An understanding of chemical and physical properties of aggregates - their specifications in order to produce aggregates that are fit for purpose and the full range of end uses such as concrete, asphalt or rail ballast. Back to Duty

K27: An in depth understanding of how to sample and test the aggregates, including typical standard deviations and implications of analysis of the final products in use this includes adjusting operations to achieve the required quality levels. Back to Duty

K28: Understand the maintenance processes required to maximise availability and cost base on the range of mobile and static plant including modes of failure, first line maintenance and specific maintenance activities. Back to Duty

K29: Understand the principles required and constraints around both new site planning requirements and planning permissions extensions. Back to Duty

K30: Deep understanding of the Quarry Regulations 1999. Back to Duty

K31: An understanding of fresh and hardened concrete, its constituents, specifications, mix design and its properties, in order to produce concrete that is fit for purpose and durable. Back to Duty

K32: An understanding of how to sample and test the end product in a fresh and hardened state. Back to Duty

K33: Sustainable use of concrete in durable structures and its environmental impact. Back to Duty

K34: Appropriate use of resources, admixtures, additives for constituent materials, and energy consumption. Back to Duty

K35: Cementitious materials including cement replacing materials; natural and recycled aggregates; admixtures; properties of fresh, hardening and hardened concrete for durable structures; standards, specifications and conformity control; production and placing. Back to Duty

K36: Properties of concretes and cementitious mortars used for specialist end uses - including self-compacting, precast and fibre reinforced concrete; and mortars for masonry, render and screed. Back to Duty

K37: Concrete in construction and a deep understanding of reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, including its use in concrete slabs, floors and external paving. Back to Duty

K38: The particular characteristics of fresh concrete required for specialist end uses such as pumped, sprayed, foamed and underwater concrete are also studied. Includes an understanding of the influence of formwork on the surface finish of hardened concrete. Back to Duty

K39: The factors that influence the long term durability of concrete used in structures, including the role of cracks. Compaction of placed product and impacts of the environmental conditions during placement Back to Duty

K40: Methods used to investigate and analyse the causes and extent of deterioration in a concrete structure and how to repair and protect reinforced and pre-stressed concrete structures. Back to Duty

K41: The importance and various methods for curing concrete. Back to Duty

K42: The sequence of activities required to produce cement, including how the raw materials are sourced and blended; the chemical processes in the cement kiln; and the processing and blending of clinker to give the range of cements required by customers. Back to Duty

K43: The complex range of activities and processes that are used in relation to the extracted raw materials and other components required to prepare the dry or semi-dry material known as 'kiln feed. Back to Duty

K44: The balanced and efficient use of different fuels (including waste fuels) and their contribution to the economic and sustainable operation of a Portland cement kiln. Back to Duty

K45: Clinker processing - the processes that grind and blend the output from the cement kiln into a cement that can be sold to the customer in bulk or in packaging. Back to Duty

K46: The safe processes and procedures for site shutdown in both routine and emergency situations. Back to Duty

K47: Effective environmental management in line with the Part A process at the clinker manufacturing facility and also local permits at associated depots, including monitoring and reporting of CO2 and improvements in emissions (such as fugitive or respirable dust and gaseous emissions). Back to Duty

K48: Quality control and end use of cement and cementitious products, including the correct use, maintenance and calibration of equipment, including XRF, chemical and physical testing equipment. Back to Duty

K49: Understand the end use of the cement, cementitious products and the properties which will impact on the final product, this covers conventional and special concretes such as self-compacting concrete. Back to Duty

K50: Correct dosing facilities and testing for Chromium(Cr)6+ in cement, reporting shelf life and testing required to confirm the suitability for use. Understand the health implications of Cr6+ in final product and COSHH of the chemicals used to reduce Cr6+ Back to Duty

K51: The technology, standards, specifications and other requirements that apply to bituminous products and asphalt mixtures. Back to Duty

K52: The technology and principles of designing bituminous mixtures including Recycled Asphalt Product (RAP), and of the specific processes and knowledge required to produce, transport and place the products. Back to Duty

K53: Techniques used to manage asphalt product quality so as to satisfy the needs of the customer and end use. Back to Duty

K54: Compaction of placed product and impacts of the environmental conditions during placement. Back to Duty

K55: Pavement products and how they work to protect the underlying substrates and the fundamental principles of pavement design. Back to Duty

K56: Pavement designed for lifespan and traffic predictions, design of treatments to maintain the structure. Back to Duty

K57: The ‘Asset Management’ approach to maintaining highways, and prioritisation of maintenance treatments. Back to Duty

K58: Fundamental properties of asphalt mixtures and their function in road pavements. The production of bitumen and special binders, such as emulsions and polymer modified binders. Back to Duty

K59: The fundamental requirements of an asphalt mix, durability, resistance to cracking and resistance to deformation. Back to Duty

K60: The major specialist treatments for the surface of roads, and their reinforcement. Back to Duty

K61: Sustainability through recycling and consideration of ‘alternatives aggregates’. Back to Duty

K62: The techniques used to identify potential sources of clay and their potential use in a range of clay products. Back to Duty

K63: The environmental and geological factors that can have an impact on the development of a clay extraction site. Back to Duty

K64: The methods and techniques used to investigate and evaluate a potential source of clay, including site survey and site investigation methods. Back to Duty

K65: Winning & Preparation - methods and techniques used to extract, stockpile and process clay so that it can be used for the production of clay products. Back to Duty

K66: The issues and constraints associated with crushing and size reduction of clay lumps and particles. Back to Duty

K67: Processes used to prepare clay so that it can be used to produce clay products in a safe way that also respects the environment. Back to Duty

K68: Forming - how the moulded clay can influence the dimensions and shape of the finished clay product. Back to Duty

K69: How surface treatments can be used to create particular surface characteristics and properties in the finished clay product and how surface finishes can be used to provide resistance to specified ground conditions and end-use environments. Back to Duty

K70: Techniques used to dry and then fire clay products. The drying and firing processes that produce different types of clay products and the influence of drying and firing techniques on their characteristics. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Work competently, safely and manage risks in accordance with HSE regulations. Back to Duty

S2: Apply their knowledge of health and safety hazards, major hazards, environmental aspects and risks associated with the operation in order to train others to conduct full risk assessments, license to operate procedures and be able to fully investigate and evaluate health, safety and environmental accidents and incidents, report findings and implement improvements. Back to Duty

S3: Use their knowledge of emergency response processes and procedures to deal with emergency situations and ensure that in these circumstances the site is evacuated, secured and made safe as swiftly as possible. Back to Duty

S4: Recommend and support improvements to environmental, health and safety culture, procedures, process and systems across the operation. Back to Duty

S5: Obtain, evaluate and use information from the teams across the site to take critical operational decisions. This could include information on a range of matters such as the products, the equipment and the staffing levels. Back to Duty

S6: Utilise communications technology for performing and supporting the business processes including, communications, work co-ordination, task analysis and problem solving. Back to Duty

S7: Ensure that operational systems are adhered to by all employees in accordance with quality control plans and procedures. Back to Duty

S8: Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment in order to meet employers and regulatory health and safety requirements. Back to Duty

S9: Apply root cause analysis Back to Duty

S10: Use the principles of predictive and preventative maintenance of all mineral products equipment in order to minimise downtime and costs. Back to Duty

S11: Develop & write technical reports that meet business requirements including the optimisation and continuous improvement of processes and services Back to Duty

S12: Maximise the use of the resources, maximise products from raw materials, ensuring sustainability of resources. Back to Duty

S13: Provide technical knowledge transfer to colleagues and continuous improvements in line with business requirements. Back to Duty

S14: Optimise processes & products re: cost and performance in line with budget requirements. Back to Duty

S15: Communicate all relevant information with the operational team, customers and all stakeholders by email, handheld radio, phone and face to face to keep them up to date with site production issues, ensuring information is passed clearly and promptly. Back to Duty

S16: Plan and implement plans for work activities and projects. Back to Duty

S17: Monitoring trends, interpreting results and making adjustments in production. Back to Duty

S18: Use knowledge of the local communities, official bodies and other stakeholders associated with Mineral Products and their interests in the industry to liaise and engage with them to ensure positive working relationships are established, minimising disputes. Back to Duty

S19: Ensure safe and effective utilisations of mineral extraction equipment and resources by following standard operating procedures and/or site rules. Back to Duty

S20: Maximise operational and resource efficiency in a mineral extraction environment, in accordance with the quarry/mine plan. Back to Duty

S21: Plans processes to win and extract mineral in a safe, efficient and environmentally sensitive manner applying blasting, digging or cutting techniques. Back to Duty

S22: Plan to use, select and utilise face loading machines, dumptrucks, conveyor systems, processing and benefication equipment by planning material flow and matching equipment. Back to Duty

S23: Use and apply the the quarry/mine plan to assess environmental impact, planning constraints, site restoration and the wider sustainability agenda. Back to Duty

S24: Achieve and verify product quality meets both European Standards and customer specifications and optimizes the production process to achieve these in a cost effective manner and whilst maintaining end use applications. Back to Duty

S25: Ensures all test equipment is maintained, used correctly and calibrated, retains appropriate records. Interprets all test results for accuracy, retesting as required, and taking appropriate actions and communications if results fall outside of specifications. Back to Duty

S26: Conduct the full range of legislative and procedural inspections required in the quarry, processing plant and associated locations, record, document findings and take appropriate action. For inspections conducted by specialist third parties – can interpret, prioritize and action the recommendations. Back to Duty

S27: Planning work activities and production schedule with customer requirements." Back to Duty

S28: Sampling and testing of concrete products to the relevant European standards. Back to Duty

S29: Monitoring trends, interpreting results and making adjustments in concrete mix designs. Back to Duty

S30: Management of product constituents to include secondary, alternative and recycled materials. Back to Duty

S31: Demonstration of the selection and appropriate use of reinforcement materials in concrete applications. Back to Duty

S32: Planning the selection and utilisation of fresh concrete delivery systems by planning material flow and matching equipment. Back to Duty

S33: Able to apply different concrete batching techniques in the manufacture of concrete products. Back to Duty

S34: Undertaking of assessment, inspection and development of suitable repair strategies for existing concrete structures. Back to Duty

S35: Planning work activities and production schedule with customer and trend requirements. Back to Duty

S36: Managing risks specific to high energy and cost production processes. Back to Duty

S37: Sampling, testing and reporting of Cement, Lime and Cementitious products to the relevant European standards. Back to Duty

S38: Sampling, testing and reporting of incoming and intermediary materials supporting the adjustments in the cement manufacturing process. Back to Duty

S39: Management of product constituents to include secondary, alternative and recycled materials. Back to Duty

S40: Planning the selection and utilisation of milling, grinding and blending equipment by planning process flow and matching equipment Back to Duty

S41: Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and use of different fuel types in order to maximise thermal efficiencies and minimise environmental impacts. Back to Duty

S42: Planning the selection and utilisation of Cement, Lime and Cementitious Products delivery systems. Back to Duty

S43: Planning work activities, production schedules, transport and delivery in line with customer requirements. Back to Duty

S44: Sampling source materials, bitumens and asphalt products. Back to Duty

S45: Defining different asphalt production processes and ancillary equipment to maximise production. Inspecting and optimising asphalt production plant and equipment. Back to Duty

S46: Inspecting and optimising laying and compaction plant and equipment. Back to Duty

S47: Managing risks to health and safety and the environment associated with the production, transport and laying of asphalt mixtures. Back to Duty

S48: Application and on going management of assets both in terms of production and laying equipment and in pavements, foundations, drainage, skid resistance, embankments, bridges and street furniture. Back to Duty

S49: Application of pavement design according to design speciications. Back to Duty

S50: Identifying pavement failure modes and subsequent remedial options. Back to Duty

S51: Application of specialist road surface treatments and sustainable recycled aggregates and recycling processes. Back to Duty

S52: Apply understanding of the nature and formation processes of clay deposits to the manufacture of heavy clay construction products to ensure product quality. Back to Duty

S53: Maximise operational and resource efficiency by using and understanding the quarry/clay pit plan in and minimising environmental impacts. Back to Duty

S54: Supervision of methods of extraction, transportation and stockpiling of clay raw materials to industry standards. Back to Duty

S55: Effective management of raw material processing in relation to the manufacturing operation. Back to Duty

S56: Recognise the influence of raw material properties in the selection of the appropriate clay forming equipment and drying processes. Back to Duty

S57: Appropriate selection and use of different surface texturing and colouring processes. Back to Duty

S58: Planning and control of the appropriate drying and firing cycles for the production process. Back to Duty

S59: Sampling, testing and reporting of intermediary and final clay products supporting the adjustments in the process. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: A strong personal commitment to health, mental wellbeing, safety and the environment. Back to Duty

B2: Leads from the front setting a high example to all employees. Back to Duty

B3: Works within the company policies, procedures and regulations at all times. Back to Duty

B4: Remains calm, composed and maintains accuracy of detail under pressure. Back to Duty

B5: Takes responsibility for own behaviours, actions and standards of work. Back to Duty

B6: Identifies improvements that could be made and contributes to implementing new procedures or ways of safe and effective working. Back to Duty

B7: Takes responsibility for on-going continuous professional development Back to Duty

B8: Ensures a customer focused approach and is an advocate for the business. Back to Duty

B9: Promotes a collaborative team ethic as well as a supportive and positive culture. Back to Duty

B10: Encourages innovation and supports suggestions and feedback. Back to Duty

B11: Demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity and manages/challenges others to meet the requirements of fairness at work. Back to Duty

B12: Maintains a professional, courteous, polite and friendly approach at all times. Back to Duty

B13: Identify own development needs and takes action to meet those needs. Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Professional recognition

This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

  • The Institute of Quarrying for Associate Member
  • The Institute of Asphalt Technology for Associate Member
  • The Institute of Concrete Technology for Associate Member
  • The Concrete Society for Associate Member
  • The International Clay Technology Association for Associate Member
  • The Institute of mining, metals and minerals. (Iom3). for Associate Member


Additional details

Occupational Level:

5

Duration (months):

36

Review

This apprenticeship standard will be reviewed after three years

Status: Approved for delivery
Level: 5
Reference: ST0605
Version: 1.0
Date updated: 05/08/2021
Approved for delivery: 28 August 2019
Route: Engineering and manufacturing
Typical duration to gateway: 36 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £16000
Options: Mineral Extraction, Concrete (Readymix and Precast/Prestressed), Cement and cementitious products, Asphalt & pavements, Clays (Heavy and White)
LARS Code: 497
EQA Provider: Ofqual

Find an apprenticeship

Contact us about this apprenticeship

Employers involved in creating the standard: Tarmac, Sibelco, Imerys, Compass Minerals, Saint Gobain, ICL, Banner Contracts, Wainwrights, Hills Group, MGL Group, Forterra, Longwater Sand and Gravel, Aggregate Industries, Marshalls, Breedon Group, Bam Ritches, EPC UK, Cemex, Myers Group, Hanson UK, Brett UK, Hargreaves Production, Surface Mining, United Asphalt Ltd, Frimstone, Day Group, Hope Construction Materials, Finning UK Ltd, Wolf Minerals, British Gypsum

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date Latest end date
1.0 Approved for delivery 28/08/2019 Not set Not set

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