2024 IAT and IQ Student Awards

The Institute of Asphalt Technology (IAT) and the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) have jointly recognised and praised their high-performing students at a joint awards ceremony.

Held for the first time at the iconic Symphony Hall in Birmingham and in front of senior industry professionals, the annual IQ & IAT Student Awards recognise those studying industry standard and globally recognised qualifications at the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products.

Each award is a celebration of an individual's outstanding achievement, balancing work commitments and home life with excellent academic achievement.

Gearoid Lohan, IAT President, who opened the event, says: “On behalf of everyone at the Institute of Asphalt Technology, I would like to extend our congratulations to all the winners. We take great pride in our partnership with the Institute of Quarrying, University of Derby, Employers, Sponsors and the students.  It was a pleasure to once again come together to celebrate the future leaders of our industries.”

Gearoid went on to say, “The continued success of the students on these courses demonstrates IAT’s leadership in the areas of Education, Professional Development and training within our sector.”

Gearoid closed his address by confirming IAT’s support and partnership with IQ towards the development of the National Stone Centre.

Winners of the 2024 Student Awards accepted their prizes in front of Fellows of the IAT and IQ and special guests. The asphalt students received their awards from sponsors Callam Brough of Shell, Mark Whelehan of F M Conway and Helen Bailey, IAT Vice-President, accompanied by Lyle Andrew, Executive Director of IAT.

Ben Williams FIQ, IQ President, presented the mineral products students with their prizes alongside James Thorne, CEO of IQ.

The IAT presented prizes to Kieran Watson, Paula Millward, Christopher Potter, Craig Long, David Gibson, Zahed Rahman, Emma Green and Alistair Burgess,

Mark Osbaldeston is the Head of the Centre for Mineral Products at the University of Derby. He adds: “Congratulations to this year’s cohort of IQ and IAT Student Award winners. You have all demonstrated a true passion towards your studies and the industry, excelling academically and at the same time strengthening your careers in the industry.”

2024 IAT winner profiles

• A joint first prize was awarded to Kieran Watson and Paula Millward, Aggregate Industries for Best Overall Third Year Foundation Degree, sponsored by Shell Construction and Road. Second place was presented to Christopher Potter (absent) and third place to Craig Long.
• David Gibson received the award for Best Overall Second Year Foundation Degree.
• Zahed Rahman won the award for Best Overall First Year Foundation Degree.
• The Best Asphalt Diploma Student Award and the Worshipful Company of Paviors Award for Contracts & Business Management and Ops was presented to Emma Green (absent).
• The Best Higher Apprentice Award, sponsored by FM Conway, was awarded to Alistair Burgess.

IQ Awards
Ben Williams FIQ, IQ President, says: “We are delighted to have once again co-hosted the Student Awards with the Institute of Asphalt Technology, strengthening our close, cross-sector partnership and promoting talent development within our industries. Each award recipient has demonstrated outstanding dedication, achieving exceptional results in their studies at the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products. Together with the networks and support from their respective professional membership bodies, they have built a solid foundation on which to build their future careers.”

The IQ award winners include Adam Baker TMIQ, Haydn Griffiths MIQ, Jordan Eccles MIQ, Daniel Penny, Sallie Antill MIQ, Ronan Veale TMIQ, Greg Loan, John Bright TMIQ, and Joseph Rennocks TMIQ.

The higher education qualifications, through the partnership with the Mineral Products Centre, are delivered by the University of Derby in partnership with IQ and IAT and go hand in hand with everyday operations in the mineral products industry.

Recognition of Long Service

Chris Rowan, Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby Centre for Mineral Products, received a Long Service medal for his contributions and achievements within the industry.