Apprentice scheme is ‘perfect’ for Ethan
Budding mechanics are being offered the chance to hone their skills as apprentices with the world’s largest resource management company.
Veolia, the recycling and waste contractor for Telford & Wrekin Council, is looking to train up the next generation of mechanics at their Stafford Park facility.
The new recruits will have the chance to work on the vehicles which collect recycling, food waste and residual waste across Shropshire.
It’s a three-year course and successful apprentices will not only get on-the-job training, but will also have regular study blocks at Bristol Academy.
Craig Morris, at Veolia said: “We have seen over the years it is becoming harder to find people with the skill set we need for our vehicles.
“Succession planning is an important part of our business and we want to be able to replace key staff who reach retirement age, ensuring staff who follow in their footsteps have the skills and experience needed to do the roles.
“Our apprenticeship scheme is a wonderful way to meet talented people and support them through the training and hopefully into full time employment.”
Ethan, 20 from Donnington, said: “I applied for the apprenticeship by sending through my CV then got called for an interview and was successful.
“I started the scheme back in 2018. It's a three-year apprenticeship where I study at Bristol Academy six times a year for a week at a time and then I go for a seventh time where we do our exams.
“The first year is basic mechanics and as we progress we get more and more in depth in diagnostics and testing.
“People can be put off by the fact that we deal with vehicles that deal with rubbish and recycling, but it is great dealing with trucks of this size and complexity. I started off doing a car apprenticeship, but found it didn’t interest me and I wanted to work on bigger, more complex vehicles.
“University wasn't for me, I wanted to get out of the classroom and get into work so the Veolia apprenticeship was perfect for me. I also heard it was a great company to work for with good pay.”
Cllr Richard Overton added: “The employment and apprenticeship opportunities provided by Veolia and our other contractors are one of the ‘added value’ elements of the commitments we ask them to make as part of their contracts. Hearing Ethan’s story just goes to show how important these opportunities are to our local communities.”
For more information on Veolia’s apprenticeship opportunities please visit www.veolia.com.
