Hear from Lauren Kinch, kiln engineer

Lauren joined Heidelberg Materials’s asphalt business with a science-based degree in 2016. She has taken advantage of the training and development opportunities offered by the company and is now working as a kiln engineer at our Padeswood cement works near Mold, North Wales. 

“I was new to the extractive industry when I joined Heidelberg Materials as an asphalt plant operator, but I have a big interest in mechanics and quickly fell in love with operating plant and the process of how it worked.

“Asphalt was a fantastic business line to work for and provide a steppingstone to my next role as production manager at Hinkley Point C, the largest construction site in Europe. This was an awe-inspiring project to work on due to its size and complicity, and I worked closely with both material and civil engineers. 

“I enjoyed this aspect of the job and, after three years, decided to pursue other possibilities in engineering at Heidelberg Materials, before accepting the role of kiln engineer at its Padeswood cement site. This is by far the largest plant I have worked on, with a very complicated and interesting process.

“Tailored training for each of my job roles has enabled my progression and my experience across different business lines has presented the opportunity for me to share new ideas and ways of thinking. To date, I have acquired my QCF Level 6, NEBOSH general certificate and IEMA, and I’ve also started an engineering degree in mechanical industrial design. 

“I believe female engineers offer a different perspective, provide balance to teams and, when from different backgrounds/ business lines, provide cross functional knowledge and ideas that can help improve operations. 

“I really couldn’t picture myself working in another industry and would love to see more women benefit from the same positive experiences I’ve had.”