The culmination of several years’ collaborative work between Salford University, Bolton Community College and Myerscough College was marked at a reception at Salford where the line-up of speakers included Robert Runcie, the Director of the NW Region of the Environmental Agency and industrialist Alan Norris, Group Head of Environmental Affairs & Safety at Pilkington plc.

Ken Hodgson, the Course Coordinator in the School of Environment and Life Sciences at the university, said: “This course is important because it provides an academically rigorous, professionally relevant programme which fills a gap in the education and training provision for wastes management professionals in the North West.”

Robert Runcie reminded the audience of the challenge ahead in dealing with wastes. “British industry produces 430 million tons of wastes annually costing over £15 billion. We only have enough landfill capacity to take us to the end of this decade. If we continue to produce wastes without professional management, in the North West alone households will produce enough rubbish to fill the M60 to waist height every year.”

Alan Norris said: “We need to change the emphasis from waste disposal to resource management.” Responsible companies had long recognised this.

“We no longer just need to dispose of our waste, we need to manage the whole resources process” he said. “The Foundation Degree permits enlightened employers to increase the professionalism of their staff and fill an essential gap in much needed skills”

The degree, accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), aims to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to function competently as wastes managers and enhance their career potential and promotion prospects.

The course has been developed in consultation with a select board of industry representatives and follows a CIWM recommended syllabus to ensure that it meets the specific needs of those working in the field.

This part-time degree is intended for a wide range of employees from public, private and voluntary organisations. It focuses on the integration of theory and practice through a combination of college-based and work-based learning.

The course commences in September and

is delivered on one afternoon/evening each week and with a supervising mentor in the workplace.

The Foundation Degree in Wastes Management is endorsed by the CIWM and (WAMITAB). Graduates from the degree will be able to progress through the CIWM hierarchy of membership (Associate membership on completion of the foundation degree and Graduate membership on completion of the top-up honours degree).

This is a three-year, part-time course with an afternoon or evening attendance at Bolton Community College or Myerscough College.

Ken Hodgson, Course Co-ordinator : 0161 295 2147or email K.Hodgson@salford.ac.uk

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