RiverRidge welcomes first recycling and waste course at NWRC

    RIVERRIDGE has welcomed the news that North West Regional College (NWRC) has become the first college in Northern Ireland to launch a Recycling and Waste Management course – offering students a route into employment in the Waste Management industry.

    Being Northern Ireland’s largest and most diversified independent waste management company, RiverRidge is fully aware of the importance of having trained and qualified operatives across the industry.

    Rhonda Armstrong, RiverRidge HR Manager, said, “The waste industry is evolving at an incredible rate, and is now so much more than just recycling or disposing of waste. For this reason, having a newly qualified pool of employees, with a genuine interest in the industry can only act as a catalyst for growth.

    North West Regional College student Martin Grant, pictured at the launch of the new Recycling and Waste Management courses at North West Regional College, Greystone Campus, with Curriculum Manager Raymond Bolt, Lecturer Michelle Young, John Mc-Carron, Environmental Resource Officer, Causeway Coast and Glens Council and Rhonda Armstrong, HR Manager RiverRidge.

    “Similarly, offering students a route to employment following their education, can only be a positive step, both in the future of these young people, to the industry and indeed the overall economy.”

    Students can now enrol for the Level 1, 2 and 3 qualifications in Recycling and Waste Management which will begin in September 2019 at the college’s Greystone Campus in Limavady.

    NWRC Lecturer Michelle Young, who has spearheaded the initiative, said the launch of the new courses allowed experts from industry to meet with college staff to learn more about the professional qualification route that is suited to both those currently in the industry or those wishing to enter the industry.

    She added: “The Level 1 qualification we are offering is most suitable for students aged 16-17 in the Training for Success Programme. The Level 1 will provide the required knowledge, alongside an English and Maths qualification for entry point jobs in the industry. The Level 2 and 3 courses are suited to the Apprenticeship route.

    “NWRC is one of the main providers of third level education in the North West and we were delighted to work alongside them to help develop their new curriculum pathways.  These pathways will assist those seeking jobs and ensure a well-qualified workforce that drives our economy forward, both now and in the future.”