Job market information
Finding out about the extractive and mineral process industry
The extractive and mineral process industry is part of the process manufacturing sector, represented by Proskills Sector Skills Council. This sector also includes the following industries: building products; coatings; furniture, furnishing and interiors; glass and related industries; ceramics; paper; plus print and printed packaging. In addition, there are several industries that are aligned with Proskills industries, including: glazing and window manufacture; soft furnishings; design; paper merchants; and mining services. The sector as a whole currently employs an estimated 810,000 people in around 76,900 workplaces. Since 1998, there has been a steady decline in the numbers employed in the sector as a whole and the number of workplaces, but productivity in the sector has continued to increase over the same period. Overall, the sector will need to recruit almost 93,000 people up to 2017 to replace those retiring or leaving the sector.
The UK extractive and mineral process industry provides the essential raw materials for use by the construction industry, agricultural, manufacturing and by the energy production industry. This industry covers:
- Deep coal mines and opencast coal working
- Mining and agglomeration of lignite
- Extraction and agglomeration of peat
- Manufacture of solid fuel
- Mining of iron ore, uranium, thorium, and other non‐ferrous metal ores
- Quarrying of ornamental and building stone, limestone, gypsum, chalk and slate
- Operation of gravel and sand pits
- Mining of clays, kaolin, chemical and fertiliser minerals
- Production of salt
- Manufacture of cement, lime, plaster, ready‐mixed concrete, and mortars
- Cutting, shaping and finishing of ornamental an building stone
- Other mining and quarrying activities
Key facts:
- There are an estimated 86,000 people employed in the industry, across 10,000 workplaces.
- Workers in the industry tend to be full‐time and directly employed, rather than on a contract basis.
- Work is often shift‐based, especially in lower levels jobs.
- 18% of the workforce has a Level 1 or entry level qualification, 25% a Level 2, 23% a Level 3, 6% a Level 4 and 19% a Level 5 qualification.
- Annual turnover for the industry is currently around £9 billion.
- There are 2,741 sole traders in the industry.
Jobs in the industry range from: shot firer, weighbridge operator, road builder, goods vehicle driver, trainee engineer, miner, sea person, logistics manager, processing plant manager, geologist, estate manager, quarry manager.
Entry and progression
Those wishing to enrol on apprenticeships in the industry have to demonstrate the potential of achieving at least an NVQ Level 2 qualification, plus the knowledge and ability to undertake the training. Entrants should have a good basic education.
Those wishing to enter the industry should have the following skills and attributes: self‐motivation; willingness to work, learn and apply that learning; the potential to complete qualifications; ability to communicate effectively with a range of people; plus numeracy and literacy skills.
There are a wide range of opportunities for those wishing to change career direction and enter the industry, particularly in entry level jobs and engineering roles. Civil engineers, quantity surveyors and environmental managers are in demand. Other opportunities include estate managers, marine superintendents (dredging) and laboratory assistants. Experience of management and customer service can be an advantage for those considering more senior roles.
There is a range of relevant industry courses, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and training schemes available.
For job specific entry requirements, take a look at our job profiles.
Workforce statistics
| Number of UK employees: |
86,000 |
|---|
| Number of UK employers: |
10,000 |
|---|
| Gender: |
77% male |
23% female |
|---|
| Age: |
|---|
| 8% of workforce is 16‐24 years |
| 22% 25‐34 years |
| 27% 35‐44 years |
| 22% 45‐54 years |
| 19% 55‐64 years |
| 2% 65 years and over |
| Disability: |
15% of the workforce considers themselves to have a disability. |
|---|
Employment trends and future prospects
Employment in the industry has remained relatively stable over the past few years. However, its success depends heavily on the success of the construction sector.
Skill requirements and shortages
Generally, the skill needs for the future will be in higher level management and technical operations. There will be a continuing need for health and safety skills in the industry, and it will become more important for people to be multi‐skilled and able to work across several areas of the business.
Skill shortages in the industry include:
- Employability skills, such as team‐working, having a good attitude, and using initiative
- Craft and Technical skills, such as driving heavy plant machinery and blasting
- Management and Leadership skills
Occupational trends
The largest occupational groups in the industry are:
- Process Plant and Machine Operatives
- Managers and Senior Officials
- Professional Occupations
National and regional data
East Midlands – There are an estimated 8,500 employees in the regional workforce, in around 960 workplaces.
East of England – There are an estimated 2,800 employees in the regional workforce, in around 960 workplaces. There are very few sites in the East of England.
London – There are an estimated 17,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 510 workplaces.
North East – There are an estimated 2,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 380 workplaces.
North West – There are an estimated 8,500 employees in the regional workforce, in around 920 workplaces.
South East – There are an estimated 7,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,120 workplaces.
South West – There are an estimated 10,700 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,280 workplaces.
West Midlands – There are an estimated 7,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 960 workplaces.
Yorkshire and the Humber – There are an estimated 7,100 employees in the regional workforce, in around 970 workplaces.
Northern Ireland – There are an estimated 4,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 400 workplaces.
Scotland – There are an estimated 6,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 1,100 workplaces.
Wales – There are an estimated 5,000 employees in the regional workforce, in around 700 workplaces.
Salary levels
Pay scales in this industry are variable, so the following only provides an indication of the average annual salaries of the current workforce:
- Entry level (e.g. Production Operative) £12,000 ‐ £14,000
- Full operative (e.g. Quality Assurance Technician) £14,000 ‐ £18,000 plus
- Senior Management (e.g. Engineering Manager) £25,000 ‐ £40,000 plus
Career paths
Further sources
Produced Sept 2010, using Proskills AACS LMI report (Jun 2010)
