John began his career as a surveyor’s apprentice undertaking all types of surveys and carrying most of the equipment. His tertiary education is in minerals surveying eventually obtaining an HNC and then a Mines Surveyors Certificate meaning he could be a statutorily appointed surveyor under the Mines Act.

John worked on the Selby coalfield and at Harworth for several years developing new reserves for British Coal. He worked in Saudi Arabia on oil field development and chemical plant construction where he became what the Americans call a Party Chief. After that he worked in Australia on gold and metal mines and returned to Britain to take a degree in mining engineering. Since graduating he has worked in the mining and quarrying sector in the UK with occasional work in Australia, South Africa and Russia.