Waste management industry sets up National Training Organisation

Education and training for the waste management industry took a significant

step forward at the Institute of Wastes Management (IWM) conference in Torbay

in June with the announcement of the successful formation of WINTO (Waste Industry

National Training Organisation) and the appointment of Tony Hirons as its Chief

Executive

“There is insufficient training currently being undertaken, less than

the average for all industries… Even though industry was involved with its

inception, the COTC system, whilst improving quality in the industry, is imposing

significant costs…

“There is clearly some improvement taking place, but training that is more

clearly focused on the needs of the industry would allow the industry to develop

further and increase its professionalism and so attract the best recruits. The

formation of an NTO for the waste management industry should help, enabling

training needs to be comprehensively evaluated and addressed in a structured

manner.”

Skills training

The Chairman of the WINTO Board, the Earl of Arran, emphasised in his address

the importance of ensuring that the workforce in the waste management sector

has the necessary skills for professional status. Reinforcing this view, IWM

Deputy Chief Executive, Chris Murphy, said: “This initiative highlights

the commitment of the three organisations involved to improving training, education

and professional recognition at all levels and the response from the industry

has been very positive.”

WINTO’s new Chief Executive, Tony Hirons, has been in the waste management

industry for a number of years, most recently serving as Chief Executive of

the Energy from Waste Association, and prior to that as the Press & PR Manager

for the IWM. He also headed up the external affairs and PR function at BTEC

(British Training & Education Council), the leading body for vocational

qualifications in the UK, for six years.

Speaking after the announcement, Mr Hirons said the first priority for the

new NTO is to review the current training and education situation within the

industry and to consult as widely as possible to assess the needs of both employers

and employees.

“Based on our findings,” he said, “WINTO will then seek to build

on the work of WAMITAB and develop and co-ordinate a strategy to deliver a comprehensive

programme of vocational qualifications across the full range of sectoral needs

within the waste management industry.

“Acting as a focal point for the industry, WINTO will aim to promote investment

in people throughout the industry and build a culture of life long learning,

as well as strengthening the image of waste management as a professional career.

“One of the key objectives of the WINTO board is to ensure that the training

and education needs of SMEs are met, as these companies face the greatest challenge

when it comes to investment in training and employee development.

“We also recognise the need to develop the UK industry’s competitiveness

in Europe by keeping in touch with training and education developments at European

level and ensuring UK participation in any European-funded projectswhich focus

on this area.”

Wide consultation

The negotiations which have led to the formation of WINTO have included dialogue

with the Department for Education (DfE) but the organisation as yet does not

have formal Government approval.

“The Government template for an NTO is 500,000 industry employees and

the waste industry does not fall within this category,” Mr Hirons explained.

“However, the three participating organisations felt that this initiative

is important to the future of the waste management industry and the aim is to

proceed according to DfE guidelines and demonstrate that WINTO works. To gain

official Government approval, we will need to show that the organisation is

seen as relevant and effective by both the industry (represented by ESA) and

individual employees (represented by the IWM).

Developing the framework

“It will also be essential to include other stakeholders in the consultation

as we develop the framework for WINTO, and these will include the Local Government

Association, universities and colleges and City & Guilds. In this way, we

can ensure that future training and education provision is as comprehensive

and effective as possible.”