This week is National Apprenticeship Week 2025 which celebrates apprentices, employers, training providers, and anyone involved in the success of apprenticeships and skills across the country.
At the Environmental Services Association, one of the key themes of our Social Value Charter is making sure the waste and resources sector is a desirable sector to work in. This is more important than ever for business in the sector. CIWM reports that over 74,200 new roles will be required in the waste in waste and resources sector by 2030 with existing policy interventions. This includes 18,100 for collection, sorting, treatment, and disposal, 20,000 for reuse and repair, 2,000, and 5000 for vehicles manufacture, repair, ELVs. With demand for skills growing as we move towards a circular economy; we must consider opportunities for apprenticeships within our sector.
Furthermore, we have an aging workforce with 11.9% of the workforce over 60 and 5.2% aged 16-24. A large chunk of the workforce leaving for retirement poses a serious challenge of business continuity, therefore it is essential that we invest in training and upskilling anyone out of education, or those who wish to retrain.
FCC Environment recognises the challenge to address within their organisation and have an active Apprenticeship Programme which provides apprentices with on-the-job training, ensuring they have the skills and hands-on experience needed to launch their careers. There are apprenticeship opportunities across its operations including engineering roles at Energy-from-Waste facilities, Maintenance Engineers at vehicle workshops, or as Business Administrators and Chartered Managers.
FCC Environment were able to take advantage of the apprenticeship levy. The key priority has been to upskill their existing workforce by working with approved apprenticeship providers to ensure they match the right qualification with the right person and ensure there is successful completion. Furthermore, each vacancy is monitored and considered for its suitability as an apprenticeship role. They have also been promoting the newly established Chartered Management Degree roles, an opportunity to achieve a level-6 qualification on the job.
FCC Environment’s Early Careers & Development Manager, Gaye Glading, says “Without a doubt, inviting an apprentice to the business is a commitment in terms of time and service, but the benefits will very quickly outweigh any concerns you may have.
Learning is always very well structured as we work only with Ofsted approved providers who can demonstrate significant success rates amongst their students. We support that structure with coaching, mentoring & practical experiences to boost the key knowledge, skills & behaviours learners need to realise their qualification.”
At this time, FCC Environment have 75 registered apprentices and are constantly looking for opportunities to increase new learning prospects across the company.
Waste is not an immediate choice of career, and little is known about what we do, especially when it comes to the importance of engineering, STEM subjects and general understanding of waste and resource management. Apprenticeships are an excellent opportunity to grow that sector attractiveness and upskill our workforce.
Thank you very much FCC Environment for the opportunity to share their work. Click here for more information.
ENDS
