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This week is Learning at Work Week 2023 (15-21 May). It’s an annual event to build learning cultures at work and it aims to highlight the importance and benefits of continual learning and development.
Learning at Work Week is led nationally by Campaign for Learning, an organisation whose vision is for a society where everyone has access to high quality learning opportunities, where learning is valued and where people are inspired and supported to become successful lifelong learners.
Employers are invited to mark Learning at Work Week in their organisations. At TJ, we continually support our staff on their Continuing Professional Development journeys, providing them with all they need to learn new skills and achieve their potential. Sometimes we identify and facilitate training programmes we think would benefit employees, and other times we are led by requests from staff to enhance their skills.
Yapton Materials Recovery Facility Site Foreman, Martin Wright, is undertaking the WAMITAB Level 4 High Risk Operator Competence for Hazardous Waste Transfer qualification.
WAMITAB is an awarding organisation and charity that develops qualifications for those working in waste management and recycling, cleaning and street cleansing, facilities management and parking. They work directly with industry leaders to shape and deliver employer-led qualifications that provide individuals with fit-for-purpose skills for the workplace. They also aim to embed a culture of safety and progression, making the industry more attractive as a career.
The qualification that Martin is undertaking is part of the WAMITAB Operator Competence Scheme, which is designed to enable permitted waste facilities in England and Wales to demonstrate that they employ technically-competent people with the knowledge and skills to ensure waste sites comply with Environmental Permitting Regulations (2007).
WAMITAB qualifications involve a set number of guided, 1-1 learning hours as well as additional personal study hours that you can complete at your own pace. Qualification time for these three qualifications ranges from 121 hours up to 241 hours depending on the subject, so these courses require a high level of commitment from participants.
Martin successfully completed the WAMITAB Level 4 Medium Risk Operator for Non-Hazardous Waste Treatment and Transfer qualification at the end of last year – a qualification that another TJ Butser Quarry employee, Jess Greaney, has recently embarked on.
Jess said: “My knowledge of health and safety, environmental policies and Environmental Management Systems has improved a huge amount and I have a better understanding of all the correct procedures for the site. I feel it has already made me more confident in my job role and I’m really grateful to TJ to have been given this opportunity.”
Will Osman, Weighbridge Clerk at Hythe Quarry, is currently studying the WAMITAB Level 4 Medium Risk Operator Competence for Open Inert Landfill, which equips you with the knowledge to be able to operate and manage inert tip operations and comply with authorities upon site inspections and visits.
Will said: “I was familiar with the construction industry prior to my employment with TJ, so I was aware of the importance that a WAMITAB Holder has when managing a site and complying with authorities. I was pleased when TJ offered me the opportunity to undertake the WAMITAB as it shows commitment from the company and a clear progression route.”
Fleet Team Leader Jenny Spratt completed a two-day Mental Health First Aid course at PETA Training, Portsmouth, in January.
She said: “I asked to go on the course as I could see how it would enable me to help staff that were having a crisis. Breaking down the stigma of mental illness will promote people asking for help, in the same way you would for a physical condition.
“I was very grateful that TJ allowed me to complete this course; I believe it’s a good idea for everyone to have an understanding in this area as suicide rates are truly shocking, especially in men. In 2020 1,460 people died on Britain’s roads, compared with 6,319 recorded suicides in the same year – scary eh!”
Fleet Manager & Driver CPC Trainer Lee Downer and Fleet Engineer Dave Millington recently completed a one-day Employment Law for Managers course at PETA. Lee said: “I’ve always had an interest in employment law, but this gave me the opportunity to upgrade my knowledge on the subject as legislation changes often.
“It is very beneficial to be conversant with up to date legislation to ensure dealings with staff on a formal level are conducted in the correct manner. I’m grateful to TJ for allowing me to attend courses as I believe you never stop learning and these courses stand me in good stead to ensure my compliance obligations are maintained.”
Explore the services TJ provides and find out more about other training we’ve provided for our staff…
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