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Training has 'bin' a huge success for JB Recycling staff

Waste management operatives at JB Recycling have ‘bin’ given the green light to successful careers with the help of Tyne Metropolitan College.

More than 50 members of Hartlepool based JB Recycling team have passed a Recycling Operations NVQ Level 2 after following a TyneMet training programme.

The drivers and waste operatives at the company’s five sites across Teesside have successfully completed the work based NVQ qualification over the past 12 months and were awarded their certificates at an official ceremony which took place at The Grand Hotel in Hartlepool.

Following a £5 million investment in to a new state of the art recycling plant, JB Recycling has employed 20 new members of staff this year alone and is investing heavily in the development and training of its growing workforce. Every member of staff is now supported to achieve a minimum of a Level 2 NVQ qualification.

Mark Penny, commercial manager at JB Recycling is delighted that so many of the team have passed their NVQ qualification. He said: “It’s a massive achievement for all concerned, for so many individuals to pass their NVQ at one time. Everyone has worked extremely hard, together with assessors from TyneMet, to ensure they passed the assessment with flying colours.

“The entire course was work-based and tailored specifically for JB Recycling, which meant it was completely relevant to the operatives day to day jobs. We have been extremely impressed with the staff at TyneMet, who are not only knowledgeable about our industry and have tailored the training accordingly, but are also very flexible in their approach in order to fit in with our business needs. We work a shift operation across some of our sites so often the assessors would come on site for night shifts in order to work with the team.”

As well as working towards NVQ qualifications, all JB Recycling staff complete in house training as part of the company’s Integrated Management System that is accredited to ISO 14001 and 9001 standard.

Mark added: “By raising individual aspirations to achieve higher level skills, our employees will contribute even further in the workplace. We firmly believe that a better trained employee has more confidence and pride in their own abilities, which in turn leads to a better quality of service for our customers.”

Brian Buckley, site operative who has successfully passed his NVQ Level 2 said: “I am really pleased to have passed my NVQ and know that it will be really useful in my job. I enjoyed the additional training that I received and hope to continue my studies – who knows where it might lead!”

Kym Norman is one of the assessors from TyneMet College who has worked with all 50 operatives over the past 12 months. He added: “Working with JB Recycling has been a real pleasure and we are delighted that all 50 candidates have successfully completed their NVQ qualification. The task was made all the easier as the company has given its full support to the training, allowing assessors to work with employees in work time and lending its support throughout the entire process.

“Due to our own industrial backgrounds, we have a real understanding of waste management and could therefore tailor the training accordingly. I believe this is why we have enjoyed such a high level of success with such a staggering number of individuals, many of whom have no other official qualifications, passing with flying colours.”

On the back of the success of this project, TyneMet and JB Recycling are now working together to provide NVQs in waste management and additional higher level training for customer service and administration team members.

For more information on work based training contact TyneMet on 0191 229 5000