Mick Norton OPERC President 2004-2005, BEM, TechSP, MInstLM, MITOL, MIVA

Started life as a Plant Operator with the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1962 and currently enjoying 44th year on the learning curve. During 32 years service in the Army, worked world-wide on road and airfield construction with a great deal of, "hands on", experience on a wide range of heavy earthmoving and construction equipment.

As a Junior Non Commissioned Officer, (JNCO), formative years spent in Far East and Western Pacific. Most notable of these tours was 12 months in the Solomon Islands supervising the construction of 25 mile of feeder road and improvised bridging to open up areas of tropical rainforest for agriculture. Awarded British Empire Medal, (BEM), for meritorious service regarding latter project. Near East, Middle East and African tours of duty followed with supervising/planning/managerial responsibilities, as a Military Plant Foreman, (MPF), at all levels of project work. Commissioned from the ranks, 1986.

Retired from the Corps of Royal Engineers in 1994 and continued to be involved with the training and assessment of Plant Operators working with a Yorkshire based training provider accredited to the Construction Industry Training Board, (CITB).

Currently working as Group Training Manager (Plant) at the training division of Roger Bullivant Limited at Burton on Trent. Heavily involved in foundation training and assessment of candidates throughout the UK in Specialised Plant and Machinery Operations, Piling Operations and Underpinning. Accredited Assessor in all the latter categories linked to the City and Guilds/CITB Joint Awarding Bodies.

President of the Off highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre, (OPERC). Chairman of the Occupational Working Group, (OWG), on Underpinning. Recently appointed Chairman of the Royal Engineers Association (Plant Branch).

Have been given great support by wife Trish in military and civilian occupations, which has often necessitated long periods away from the family unit. When at home in Wakefield major relaxation is gardening, family history and keeping pace with two Yorkshire Terriers.

(Last updated 17th July 2006).