Recycling plant environCom has launched an apprenticeship programme, the first of its kind in the UK.
The plant, based on Spittlegate Level, is running the scheme for re-use engineers in conjunction with South Lincolnshire College.
Six newly recruited apprentice engineers will initially take part in the four-year programme, with successful completion resulting in an HNC Electronic and Mechanical Engineering qualification.
Meanwhile, 14 new and existing employees have been given the chance to join a six- to nine-month Apprentice Appliance Fitter programme, which warrants an NVQ Mechanical Maintenance qualification, as well as additional training in numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
CEO Sean Feeney said: “Training and development is at the heart of our business and is key to ensuring our philosophy of ‘doing the right thing with WEEE’ is intrinsic to everything we do. We’ve been offering apprenticeships and other training at our Grantham site for more than a year now and the results are already evident, including happier and more motivated staff and a more profitable business.
“environCom is definitely a place the people of Grantham want to work.”
The new apprenticeship schemes have been welcomed by local Grantham MP Nick Boles, who said: “environCom is a fantastic business that is helping the community in more ways than one: it is doing a great job in offering opportunities for young people in Grantham, as well as making a positive difference to the environment.”
environCom works in partnership with local authorities and retailers to re-use and recycle electrical and electronic waste. It is a major employer in Grantham and has created more than 200 new jobs in the last two years.