Imerys Reflects on Record Year Supporting Careers in Cornwall and the Southwest

A record-breaking year of support

Imerys has wrapped up the 2024/25 academic year with its highest-ever level of engagement with schools and colleges across Cornwall and the Southwest. The company hosted 38 work experience placements across its sites in Devon and Cornwall, giving students hands-on exposure to roles in engineering, finance, IT, science, geology, surveying, planning and logistics.

From pit tours to departmental placements, students got the chance to explore what a career in the minerals and technology industries could look like.

Bringing business studies to life

Throughout the year, Imerys attended 17 careers events and talks for students from Year 3 to Year 11. One standout example was a visit from 30 Year 10 business studies students from Roseland Academy, who spent the day at a processing site in Par. They heard directly from staff in HR, finance, sales and marketing, with the talks designed to link real-world operations back to their classroom learning.

Richard Jones from Roseland Academy described the visit as a “real eye-opener” for the students, adding:
“Thank you Imerys — it was great for the young people to see and hear the concepts they’ve been learning in class come to life in an industrial setting.”

Year-round volunteering in schools

Three members of the Imerys HR team also give their time as Enterprise Advisors to local schools: Treviglas Academy in Newquay, Penrice Academy in St Austell and Roseland Academy. They support the schools in shaping and strengthening their careers programmes.

Clare Sleeman, talent and learning manager at Imerys, said:
“Throughout the year, we have worked hard to support outreach to educational partners across the UK but particularly Cornwall and Devon — which is where the majority of our careers opportunities are located.”

Looking to the future of lithium

Clare also highlighted the support of the company’s volunteers and STEM/Mineral Matters Ambassadors, with seven professionals currently signed up from a range of disciplines. These include geology, science and technology, IT, engineering and more.

Experts from Imerys British Lithium also played a key role, attending events to talk about the growing demand for skills in the lithium sector. With around 350 jobs linked to their lithium project, Clare stressed the importance of speaking to young people now about future opportunities.

Schools can get involved

Local schools or colleges interested in working with Imerys or Imerys British Lithium during the next academic year are encouraged to reach out by emailing clare.sleeman@imerys.com.