In support of the Government’s sector-based work academy initiative, Smart Development, the training arm of waste recruitment specialist Smart Solutions, is working with Jobcentre Plus to offer job seekers a short-term introduction to career opportunities available within the sector.

The two-week course has been taken by more than 70 candidates in England over the past three months. It is funded by the skills funding agency and delivered by Smart Development in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and leading waste companies including Biffa, Casepak and UPM.

Those enrolled on the course are given a combination of on-site and classroom based training in order to prepare them for work at a site.

All participants are guaranteed an interview at the end of the process and more than half that have sat the course to-date have gone on to employment within the sector.

Smart Development commercial director Steffan Edwards said courses were proving popular with waste firms as they were effectively producing candidates who are equipped and ready.

“The courses are also proving effective at improving staff retention rates as workers entering the industry through the scheme are fully aware of what to expect from the job, having already been given a day’s work experience and a taste of life at a facility,” he said.

Six waste and recycling pre-employment courses have been delivered by Smart Development in the past two months, with the company planning to hold a further two courses each month across the UK in 2013.

Conor McGlone

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