Member Article

Young J & B Recycling apprentices make a start

Waste management specialist J & B Recycling is continuing its commitment to apprentices as its latest recruits embark on their training.

The Hartlepool-based business has a proud record of developing young people with many graduating to management positions within the award-winning firm.

J & B Recycling’s latest trainees are Lizzie Smith, who has started a two year Business Administration apprenticeship, and Pete Dunn who will complete logistics qualifications within the firm’s transport office.

The pair, who are both from Hartlepool, were recruited via the North East Chamber of Commerce’s (NECC) apprenticeship programme and are looking forward to their new careers.

Lizzie, who is 20 and will achieve an NVQ Level 2 qualification at the end of her apprenticeship, said: “When I left Sixth Form I knew that university wasn’t for me. A lot of my friends were going but I wanted to go straight into work.

“An apprenticeship is ideally suited for me because I am learning on the job and getting paid. It’s a very hands on role and I am involved with customer enquiries, dealing with new customers and helping with collection routes. Everyone is very supportive and it’s a great environment to work in.”

For Pete, becoming a transport apprentice is a complete change of direction as the 23-year-old spent seven years working as a chef.

He said: “After so many years working in kitchens, I knew I wanted to do something completely different. I had heard about apprenticeships and the transport side of things has always interested me.

“It’s a busy office and I am involved in arranging collections and deliveries, skip exchanges, compiling tacograph information and planning routes. There’s a lot to take in but I am just about to complete my assessment portfolio and I’m looking forward to progressing my career.”

J & B Recycling – which won Hartlepool’s Business of the year 2013 – has always sought to recruit apprentices when identifying young talent. Quality and Environment Manager Ashleigh Sweeney started at J & B Recycling as an apprentice after leaving school, while Josh Robson is on course to become an accountant after starting at the firm as an accounts apprentice.

Vikki Jackson Smith, managing director of J & B Recycling, said: “We are a business that firmly believes in investing in the future by recruiting promising young apprentices and promoting from within.

“It’s fantastic that we are able to develop and progress promising young people, especially as they are from the town and are contributing back into our economy. We wish Lizzie and Pete all the very best for their apprenticeships and look forward to watching them progress through the business.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .