Emily Stevenson - District Operations Manager
I joined Heidelberg Materials’s Higher Apprenticeship scheme in September 2015. During the programme I completed secondments across Heidelberg Materials’s major business lines and functions as well as an annual project week with the university to encourage teamwork, communication and reflective thinking. I developed professionally and as an individual due to the high level of support and unique experiences throughout the years.
Having finished my foundation degree and the Higher Apprenticeship apprenticeship, I moved on to complete a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in minerals management with the University of Derby alongside working as an Area Technical Manager in the Midlands for the concrete division of Heidelberg Materials, I am now working as a District Operations Manager for 8 operational concrete plants in the West Midlands. The development from Higher Apprenticeship apprentice to where I am today was a natural progression path and although each step came with a high level of responsibility, by being in the business for three years I had already established a good level of experience and knowledge of the processes and health and safety, as well as a diverse network of colleagues who are always willing to help.
My job involves a range of projects that are both interesting and rewarding. Some are research- based, such as looking into innovative solutions for improving efficiency of plants. Others can be more practical, such as resolving breakdowns, assisting with product development through plant trials where we produce a small amount of concrete through a pan mixer at plant to test the properties of a mix, or ensuring industry best practice is applied at sites. I am also responsible for the Health Safety and Environmental aspects at each of the 8 concrete plants across the area, this involves compliance checks, audits and regular site visits to ensure things are running smoothly. In addition, I am a direct line manager for 11 members of staff including our own Higher Apprenticeship apprentice Kacper.
In my time at Heidelberg Materials I have gained a much greater appreciation of the mineral products industry. Becoming a Higher Apprenticeship apprentice helped me to become more confident in myself, provided an opportunity to challenge the norm and has set me on a very promising career path within Heidelberg Materials.