Brickwork students visit Heidelberg Materials quarry

Brickwork students from Warrington Collegiate have been given a rare insight into the world of cement production thanks to a behind the scenes visit to Heidelberg Materials quarry in Wales.

The level 2 and level 3 students visited Cefn Mawr quarry, in Gwernaffield, earlier this month.

As well as being able to see how cement and concrete are made, students were also able to witness a quarry blast first-hand.

Louis Shipton, who is studying level 3 brickwork, said: “It was a great experience. We got to see the explosion and see how the quarry works. It was great to be able to see what goes into producing concrete and cement, something that we use every day in the workshop.”

Fellow student Jay Smith said: “The quarry visit was a really worthwhile experience – I really enjoyed it.

“We get to go on a lot of trips as part of the course – we visited the cathedrals in Liverpool earlier this year and that was really good.

“The brickwork course at Warrington Collegiate is amazing. It’s definitely worth doing if you’re into the technical side of building.

“I’m picking up a skill at the end of the day that will be with me for life. I’m always going to have the ability to use a trowel and what I’m learning here is setting me up for the future. I’m really happy with what I’m doing.”

Carl Atherton, lecturer in brickwork, described the trip as a unique opportunity for students.

He said: “It was fantastic for our brickwork students to be able to go behind the scenes and see how a quarry works. We’re extremely grateful to Heidelberg Materials and to their quarry manager, Jason Parry, for taking the time to show our students around.

“Everyone had a fantastic time and we look forward to taking more students to the quarry in the future.”