THAT’S SOLID: BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES AND CAREERS

From providing much-needed materials that build our schools to rewarding job opportunities for school leavers, Australia’s quarry sector lays foundations for everything that lasts.

We live local. We hire local. We provide local materials.

We are invested in our communities and the local jobseekers we support.

Whether it’s giving school leavers a head start or supporting the development of local infrastructure, we are here for the long haul.

Now, That’s Solid.

FIRST OFF, WHAT EXACTLY IS A QUARRY?

Quarries are where essential materials like rock, sand, and gravel are sourced - the building blocks for homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and key infrastructure projects.

But quarries are more than sites of extraction. They’re part of the fabric of local communities, supporting thousands of jobs, investing in regional economies, providing the vital material for new homes and keeping Australia growing.

Quarries are active partners in community growth, helping shape the places we live and work.

They are also significant employers across Australia, providing on-the-job training, mentoring and opportunities to live local while developing diverse, and rewarding globally recognised careers.

CAREERS AND COMMUNITY

Quarries offer more than solid jobs; they offer solid futures and stronger communities.

Whether you’re a student, jobseeker, educator, parent, or community member, there’s a place for you in the quarry sector.

For jobseekers and students: Explore paid training, nationally recognised qualifications, and career growth from entry-level to leadership. And you don’t need to leave the community you live in.
For communities: Discover how quarries support the development of your community, sponsor events, and invest in key infrastructure across Australia.
For educators and parents: Access tailored resources to help young people explore opportunities to have meaningful career paths and understand the sector’s impact on their region.
For sector members: Connect with schools, offer placements, and showcase opportunities that build both careers and communities.

NOT SURE WHICH QUARRYING CAREER WOULD SUIT YOU?

Take our short, engaging quiz to explore potential roles and discover how your interests could help shape your community and career.

OUR STORIES

Meet the people who make our sector solid and are proud of their contribution to local communities.

Jacqui – Leadership and learning

From performing arts to quarry leader, Jacqui’s story shows how learning never stops in quarries.

Brandon – Early career growth

Starting straight from school, Brandon’s found more than a job - he’s found his life path.

Michelle – Building a future

Michelle’s career shows how her quarry offers flexibility, stability, pride, community impact, and a new opportunity for her family

Zubayr – Driving new futures

From seeing a sign on the side of the road to now working to become a quarry manager, Zubayr’s story shows what can happen when you find your calling.

HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER?

For educators and parents

Teachers, career advisors, parents, and community leaders play a vital role in helping young people discover meaningful career paths.

Our free Education Pack includes:

Explore more resources: For comprehensive career information, work experience toolkits, and school materials, visit the IQA School to Workforce Hub.

For students: Build your solid future

Finishing school soon and wondering what’s next? We are here to help you discover rewarding career pathways and real opportunities in your local community.

Your next step

Take the career quiz : Find out which quarrying roles suit your interests and strengths.
Watch real stories: Hear from young people who have built solid futures in quarries.
Connect with employers: Reach out to local quarries offering traineeships and apprenticeships.
Join events and site visits: Meet sector professionals and see quarries in action at campaign events, open days, and school visits.
Ask questions: Contact your local quarry teams for advice on getting started.

There’s a place for you in the quarry sector. Take the first step towards a solid career and a solid future.

For community: Active contributors in your community

Quarries are more than just places where rocks are extracted - they are vital local employers and community partners.

As proud employers of local families, quarries provide stable jobs and support communities across Australia.

They sponsor community events, partner with local organisations, and invest in local projects that make a difference.

Quarries supply the essential materials that build and maintain our roads, schools, hospitals, and public spaces - laying the foundations for everything that lasts.

Want to learn more about how quarries contribute to your community? Explore our stories and find a local quarry near you.

WHO IS THE IQA?

The Institute of Quarrying Australia (IQA) is the peak body and trusted voice for the quarries and essential construction materials sector across Australia.

The IQA supports professionals across all stages of their careers through connection, professional development and access to sector-leading knowledge.

The IQA supports more than 1,750 members with a global network of affiliated organisations in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

The IQA is committed to enhancing professional standards, improving safety outcomes and supporting innovation.

The organisation champions diversity and inclusion through its Women in Quarries and Young Member Network initiatives, ensuring it reflects and supports the evolving needs of the sector.

QUARRYING COMMUNITY - GET INVOLVED

Be part of Australia's biggest quarrying awareness campaign.

We've built the platform - now it's your stories that bring it to life. The bigger the reach, the bigger the impact.

Get on board:

Find your tile. Share your story #ThatsSolid | Download Campaign Assets & Social Media Tiles
Share the That's Solid flyer in your community | Download Community Flyer
Add That's Solid to your email signature | Download Email Signature Banner, add your logo, done
More ways to get involved? | Download That's Solid How Get Involved Guide
Join the 'Find a Quarry' Directory | Put your organisation on the map. The directory connects students, job seekers, schools and careers advisors with local quarry employers who are actively engaging with their communities. Email [email protected] to get listed.