Joanna Hudd

"I'm strong with communication, which is very helpful in a quarry for both safety purposes and for good staff management. I enjoy thinking outside of the box to come up with innovative solutions to issues within the quarry, and enjoy working as a member of a team. "

"I'm on a graduate scheme to learn about quarry management. This means understanding the machinery used on site, how to balance site production and sales, managing health and safety, making site improvements, and liaising with the local community. I really enjoy the responsibility and flexibility in my role, as I am able to focus on learning as much as I can and can focus on the areas that interest me most. The salary for the graduate scheme I am on is £26,000 per year, with entry roles into the company after having a pay increase depending on the chosen role. "

"I took an after-school geology GCSE because I thought it would be fun to do with my friends, and the teacher promised a week-long school trip. I found I really loved geology and so went on to do it at university and graduated with a bachelors degree. I wanted to use my degree in a practical application (didn't want to be behind a desk all day) so quarry management was ideal."

"In my spare time I compete in competitive dog sports (obedience, agility, hoopers etc.) and have won classes at international dog shows. "

"Typically I spend a couple hours responding to emails or using the computer for Excel or similar, then I usually walk the conveyor belts here to check that everything is working well and is safe. I tend to spend 1 or 2 hours a day in meetings for my own development, and an hour or so each day reading the latest quarry management news to keep myself up to date. "

"I took A-Level Biology, Geography, and English Literature, with an AS in History. I then went on to do a bachelor of science in Geology (although I would recommend anyone doing a Geology degree to get A Level Chemistry or Physics as I had a lot of catching up to do)!"