Leiths Newsletter Issue 20 - Magazine - Page 15
LEITHS PEOPLE
ISSUE 19
Work Placement
Morag Shepherd,
a third-year geology
student at St Andrews
University, joined us for a
two-week placement in
August, shadowing Leiths’
geologist Laurence Collins.
Training Success
Steven Spalding, Fleet Compliance Supervisor
(based at Rigifa)
This year, Fleet Compliance Supervisor, Steven Spalding undertook an intensive
10-day training course and exams to successfully complete his Transport Managers
Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC). The course covers all aspects of fleet safety and
compliance, business legal requirements and road transport legislation, and is a necessary
qualification for those involved in the management and maintenance of our Group
Operator Licences. Although Steven has worked in HGV fleet compliance for many years,
this qualification formalises his knowledge of fleet operations and mandatory legislative
requirements.
“I had the opportunity to
visit Achilty, Bluehill and
Midlairgs quarries whilst I was at Leiths and completed
Geotechnical Appraisals for each site alongside Laurence. These
appraisals involved discussions with the Quarry Managers to
understand any changes to the site or workings since the
previous Geotechnical Assessments completed in 2022, and
then writing a report to summarise findings from the discussion
and the site walkover. I really enjoyed seeing the active quarries
and was impressed by the sheer scale of them. I was particularly
happy with my (very clean) head-to-toe PPE!
Richard Hepburn, Distribution Supervisor
I spent a day at the UKAS accredited laboratory at Rigifa and
visited Blackhills Quarry to understand how material samples
are collected, made, and processed for quality control between
the production and distribution stages.
“It has been a long time coming but it was a great feeling to eventually fulfil this
achievement!” Richard commented.
I visited Nether Park to see the Quarry restoration process in
action through the use of stored overburden and top soil.
Laurence and I also carried out groundwater water monitoring
at two new proposed quarry sites, after which I wrote
instructions for taking water level measurements with a
piezometer for the Technical Services Department. It was great
to gain an appreciation for the whole process of how and why
sites are chosen as quarries, how quarries are designed using
the LSS quarry design software, the quarries in action, and how
quarries are restored at the end of their lifespan.
Well done, Steven!
(based at Rigifa)
Richard has recently completed an SVQ in Logistics Operations at SCQF Level 7. The course,
through Tullos Training, originally started in 2019 but due to COVID 19 restrictions was
suspended in March 2020 – it restarted in 2022, however, Richard was unable to attend due
to work commitments, and was able to finally complete the qualification in August 2023.
Richard started at Leiths back in October 2011. This year he has also been able to complete
two further training courses – ACAS Conducting Investigations and Mental Health First Aid.
We wish Richard all the best with his continuing success at Leiths.
Stephen
Richard
Thank you to everyone at Leiths for being so welcoming, and to
Laurence for giving up his time to teach me about the quarrying
industry and the role of a Geologist.”
Promotion Success
Martin Salt
Quarry Manager, Bluehill Quarry
Martin Salt, currently Quarry Manager at Bluehill Quarry, can be regarded as a
shining example of how a successful and fulfilling career can be carved out within the
Leiths Group.
Martin commenced employment with Leiths as Weighbridge Operator at New Forres Quarry in
2002. After approximately 6 years in this post, Martin decided that he could contribute more
to the operation with more participation in quarry operations, which was supported by the
Company. Accordingly, Martin became Trainee Supervisor at New Forres under the mentorship
of Jock Mitchell, simultaneously enrolling onto the “DAPS” study from home course – which is
specifically designed to educate suitable personnel for a career in Quarry Management, and,
as such, is a recognised qualification of competence for Quarry Management.
After successfully completing the “DAPS” course, which amply demonstrates the qualities of commitment and determination which are invaluable to
Martin’s chosen career path, during 2012 Martin was promoted to Supervisor and transferred to Midlairgs Quarry to take up his new responsibilities.
During 2014 Martin was promoted to Assistant Manager at Midlairgs Quarry where he continued to gain experience in managing a larger unit with a
diverse range of operations including Hard Rock; Sand & Gravel; Asphalt and Concrete. With the experience gained, backed up with his professional
qualification, this entitled Martin to join the Institute of Quarrying as a full member.
The next logical step in Martin’s career occurred during 2016 when he was promoted to Quarry Manager at Bluehill Quarry where he has consistently
driven forward his own high standards resulting in a slick, well run operation, which is always a pleasure to visit.
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