Gillian Hamilton, Quality & Environment Manager, Kilwaughter Minerals Limited
What subjects did you enjoy at school that supported your career path?
GCSE : Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, French, German, Mathematics & Physics, A’Level – Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, AS’Level French
Did you study at university or higher education?
Yes
What course did you study?
Chemical Engineering
What does a typical day or week in your role look like?
I don’t really have a typical week as my role is quite wide and varied but includes management of a team that complete product testing, complaint & non-conformance processing, audits on the shopfloor/onsite, recording of environmental information for regulatory or legal requirements and external audits. Personally I also help with quality and environment compliance in each of out four sites and am now part of a multi-national, which means that there are some new requirements.
What part of your job do you find most interesting or exciting?
The variety and getting to to talk to colleagues in all departments as well as companies/organisations outside of this. Helping to educate colleagues on what they can do to help or consider as part of caring for the environment and sustainability.
What advice would you give to pupils who are interested in a career in sustainability?
Sustainability is becoming more and more part of company culture. There are events run by the local council and volunteering opportunities with companies like The Conservation Volunteers, get on the internet and have a look.