Multi-million pound SME Wright Recycling, Newtownards, has teamed up with its local college to boost its skill base.
As one of the leading waste management companies in Northern Ireland, recycling over 30,000 tonnes of waste annually, it wanted to establish a more sustainable approach to business.
Thanks to funding from the Department for Employment and Learning, the company has collaborated with South Eastern Regional College (SERC) to up-skill its workforce through enhanced qualifications.
Its aim is to improve production, reduce waste to landfill, increase employee morale and help reach the company’s strategic recyclable targets. Further expected results include a reduction in residual waste and, as a result of knowledge enhancement, substantial savings on insurance.
Susan Wright, general manager of Wright Recycling said: “Wright Recycling is set to reap enormous benefits through the partnership with SERC.
“The qualification demonstrates the level at which our employees operate and reflects their expertise in waste management. The competencies achieved from the course will support career progression within the company.
“Continuous professional development in our staff is contributing to achieving our ambitious environmental and recycling targets.”
The sustainable waste management course, delivered by SERC, focuses on delivering key modules including, waste acceptance, waste handling, legislation, manual handling, health and safety, environmental monitoring and risk management.
Customised Training is designed to enhance the skills base within SME businesses. The project is financed by DEL and offers SME’s up to 75 per cent funding to cover the costs of the training.
SERC recently received official accreditation from The Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board, WAMITAB, to help local SME’s monitor, control and improve its environmental performance – a key objective on the government’s agenda. The college now joins an elite group of colleges across the UK to receive accreditation from the association.