The Cornwall teenagers now eyeing a career at Imerys

A geology student turns a week of work experience into an apprenticeship application. An engineering student decides, on the strength of one placement, that they want to train as an electrician. Neither of those things happens by accident, and Imerys, the largest mineral mining and extraction company in Cornwall, has spent the first half of 2026 trying to make more of them happen.

Fifteen events, hundreds of students

Colleagues from across the business, from geology to engineering, have taken part in 15 education events so far this year, engaging with hundreds of students at local schools and colleges. The specialisms on show vary from visit to visit, but the goal stays the same: connect young people to real career opportunities and raise awareness of what mineral extraction and processing actually involves, work that Imerys says benefits everyone, not just those who go on to join the industry.

Thirty-three work experience placements since January

Alongside the school visits, Imerys has welcomed 33 work experience students since January. Colleagues across engineering, mining, geology, restoration, finance, IT and the company’s science labs have all taken on students for the week, giving them a look at departments that rarely make it into a careers talk.

Imerys talent and learning manager Clare Sleeman said the events and placements are about more than a single afternoon on site.

“By engaging with our local communities through these impactful events, we can inspire the next generation as they navigate crucial choices about their career paths,” she said. “Special thanks to the huge list of colleagues who helped support these events so far this year. They really help to bring job opportunities to life for young people.

“Alongside this, we have also welcomed 33 work experience students since January. Colleagues across engineering, mining, geology, restoration, finance, IT, and our science labs have all gone the extra mile to support these students.

“A huge thank you to everyone involved. Offering these placements provides invaluable real-world insights and hands-on experience, helping to guide and inspire young people in their future career choices.”

What the students made of it

The students who spent a week inside Imerys came away with more than a line for their CV. One geology and engineering student left with a specific plan: “I really enjoyed my time at Imerys, and thank you for having me. After talking with the site manager about a possible apprenticeship next year, I would appreciate the opportunity to be considered for a maintenance engineer apprenticeship.”

Another, a geology student, singled out the variety of the week. “I really enjoyed the variety of work we got to experience in the week, in particular I really enjoyed the surveying work. Thank you to everyone who supported my placement.”

For an engineering student, it was the people rather than the tasks that stuck. “The people I worked with really made an impression and have inspired me to become an electrician.”