Graduate Trainee Manager Emily Heaton
Education and initial career steps
When I graduated from the University of Manchester with a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, I wasn’t quite sure what industry I wanted a career in as the choice was so vast. When I came across the Heidelberg Material’s graduate scheme, I was instantly interested by the wide range of business lines, opportunities to gain knowledge in both technical and commercial aspects, and particularly its focus on developing graduates into future leaders.
Due to my chemical engineering background, I started the scheme based in the cement business line at Ribblesdale Cement Works. I was happy with this placement as climate change was always at the forefront of my degree and, as cement production is currently one of the largest carbon emitters globally, I relished the chance to play an active role in taking steps towards net zero.
Cement production, and the construction industry in general, was something I had never experienced or understood before. To facilitate my learning, the graduate scheme allowed me to complete a diploma in Cement Studies at the University of Derby. This was extremely useful and helped me to appreciate the technicality involved in cement chemistry and how much work goes in to get the desired product – something I never knew could be so complex!
Aligning my career with my passions
Throughout my first year I have rotated around different departments on site, starting at the very beginning of the process in the quarry, then to quality and testing in the Laboratory, all the way through to clinker production and milling to make the final product. Overseeing the process from start to finish was fascinating and allowed me to find the department that interested me most. My passion for sustainability naturally drew me towards the environmental engineering side of things, looking at reducing our emissions by driving alternatives to fossil fuels and increasing our energy efficiency. I have been involved in different projects such as a feasibility study into using green ammonia as a source of hydrogen fuel for the cement kiln, improving our water management onsite, as well as looking into the installation of new bag filters to help reduce our stack dust emissions. Because of all this, I aspire to have a sustainability/environment-based role after finishing the scheme.
Highlights of the programme
Not only have I gained in depth knowledge about cement, but the graduate face-to-face meetings have given me exposure into other business lines such as aggregates, asphalt and marine. These included talks from senior leaders across the business, site tours and networking dinners. These outings have been a highlight of the scheme for me as they are great for our learning and development as well as being lots of fun. They have allowed us to create a tight-knit group between the 11 of us from this year’s graduate intake.
The investment in us graduates is clear from the numerous development courses I’ve been placed on such as; managing with environmental sustainability (IEMA) and creating engaging managers. I’ve been here less than a year and have already learnt so much about the business, management techniques and styles. If you want to be a future leader, I’m certain that the Heidelberg Material’s graduate scheme will get you there.
Overall, the support I have received since starting the graduate scheme last year has been outstanding and I would encourage anyone to apply. It has really turned my perception of the construction industry around and I particularly find being a woman on such a male dominated site very empowering!