Reflecting its commitment to skills development and to building a pipeline of talent in the minerals industry, leading global equipment manufacturer Astec Industries recently hosted a factory tour and meeting of young professionals from the Institute of Quarrying South Africa (IQSA) and surface mining industry association, ASPASA.
Speaking at the event, which took place at Astec’s world-class manufacturing facility in Elandsfontein, Gauteng, Vinesh Surajlall, Director – Material Solutions at Astec Africa and Middle East, said that it was encouraging to see the skilled young professionals coming into the industry. Astec Industries recognises the mining and quarrying industries as major economic drivers and was honoured to host the gathering for young professionals who will forge the path to new innovations and sustainability in the South African minerals industry.
During the factory tour and a compelling presentation, Astec leadership and product specialists shared information about the international organisation and its expansive equipment range, including modular plants, jaw and cone crushers, apron feeders, track and mobile crushers and stackers. The event also gave the young professionals a valuable opportunity to meet, learn from and network with peers and industry experts, to establish important professional relationships that will enhance their careers and the industry as a whole.
While these regular IQSA and ASPASA meetings are aimed at young professionals, they are open to all members of the organisations. The meeting at Astec Industries saw diverse industry role players of all ages come together to learn and network.
The IQSA is striving to reach young professionals in the quarrying industry. The young members meetings and networking events were first introduced in 2016. According to IQSA, many young professionals in the industry have not visited supplier factories and know very little about them, so these get-togethers are essential.
The meeting at Astec Industries culminated in an inspiring presentation by guest speaker, Glenn Johnson, who is the GM National Aggregates at AfriSam. He shared his own journey in the industry and his valuable insights on what industry leaders look for in young professionals, and what defines exceptional leadership.
“We appreciated the opportunity to be part of this event and to showcase our facility and our equipment to the industry’s future leaders,” Surajlall says.
