Refuse apprentices start work

Press Release

24/02/2010

The council's refuse team has been boosted with some new recruits in the form of six new apprentices.

The six youngsters, who started work last week, met Cllr Val Rush, cabinet member for environment and sustainability, at the council's Frizlands depot this afternoon.

As part of their apprenticeships the group will be split between different duties. Some are working on rounds emptying the big Euro bins, on housing estates or for commercial customers. Others are working on bulky waste collections such as furniture, refrigerators and washing machines.

They spend four days a week out at work and every Thursday is spent in the classroom studying towards an NVQ level 2. There are also plenty of opportunities to gain extra skills at the Frizlands Learning Centre with short courses in subjects such as information technology.

The latest influx of apprentices is part of the council's contribution towards creating 750 apprenticeships throughout the borough. It is a key part of the authority's commitment to help the borough's young people to gain the skills and experience they need to have successful working lives.

Cllr Rush said: "It was a real pleasure to meet these young men and I wish them every success with the apprenticeships and the rest of their careers.

"Refuse collection is one of the council's most important services and the crews are on the front line day in, day out, come rain or shine. They make a great contribution to the community.

"This council is committed to providing apprenticeships because we want to do our bit to create as many opportunities as possible for our young people. Providing job opportunities and training within the borough is good for school leavers and good for the local economy."

Press Release Number: 11819

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