Case Studies
Vicky Quinlan
Customer Services Manager
Qualifications
Vicky joined CEMEX UK Operations after completing her GCSEs. She
worked her way up in the company while completing a Business
Studies degree at Nene University in Northampton, graduating in
2002.
Career History
Vicky started her career as a Distribution Trainee. She thrived
on learning the business and studying people at work. Soon after
joining she realised she could have a successful career at CEMEX if
she worked hard and showed dedication and commitment.
Vicky never planned to leave school after completing her GCSEs,
but after completing work experience she was keen to work in a
business environment. Cemex offered a different road to completing
a university degree. On joining the company, she had a career plan
in place to attend college and then embark on a business
degree.
Career Aspirations
CEMEX has given Vicky many opportunities to develop her career.
She is continuing her steady progress while enjoying her life and a
career with plenty of challenges and scope to grow.
Simon Bolton
Senior Process Operator Apprentice
Qualifications
Simon started a three
year apprentice scheme with Lafarge Cement UK in July 2004 and is
completing a course in quality assurance at Stoke-on-Trent College
while learning the cement making process. As part of the
apprenticeship, Simon will also complete an NVQ in Technical
Services with a City & Guilds in Cement Technology.
Career History
Spending time in a number of different departments, including
electrical maintenance, gave Simon an insight into the whole cement
manufacturing process and the supporting functions.
He is currently working within the technical department to gain
an awareness of the complexities of cement's physical and chemical
testing, quality assurance and process operations. This will be
vital in understanding and relaying the impact of cement quality to
customers.
Career Aspirations
Simon plans to complete his apprenticeship and become a fully
qualified Senior Process Operator within the Cauldon Works' £2
million central control room.
David Collins
Research Engineer, Sustainability
Qualifications
Mathematical
and Management Studies degree from Brunel University. GradStat from
Royal Statistical Society.
Career History
After completing his degree, David accepted a job at Marks &
Spencers. The job involved statistical modelling and looking at
customers' spending patterns. But David wanted to focus more on
environmental and social issues in business and accepted a position
with the British Cement Association as Research Engineer,
Sustainability.
The BCA encouraged David to study for an Engineering Doctorate
in sustainable development. His contribution has helped to create a
better understanding of the role of cement and concrete in
sustainable construction.
Career Aspirations
His ambition is to be instrumental in improving the industry's
performance to the point where it is seen by influential
stakeholders such as politicians and customers as leading the way
on sustainable development.
Mark Cox
Clinker Manager
Qualifications
Ceramic Technology
TEC (Higher National Diploma equivalent). National Examination
Board of Supervisory Management Diploma. NEBOSH Certificate. MBA
from Liverpool University, August 2005.
Career History
Mark started his career as Shift Production Manager at Steetley
Refractories. He then went on to become UK Manufacturing Manager at
Fisons (then Levington Horticulture) before being appointed UK
Strategy Manager at the same company. He joined Castle Cement in
May 2003.
In his role as Clinker Manager, Mark manages the operational
efficiency of two dry kilns to strict environmental and health and
safety standards. He is also responsible for the continued
development and adherence to best practice of 90 staff to ensure
world class standards are maintained.
Career Aspirations
Mark applied for the role of Clinker Manager because he believed
that Castle Cement offered a suitable career path with advancement
opportunities. He is currently responsible for managing the clinker
manufacturing processes on site. His ambition is to become General
Manager and ultimately a Director.