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AMITAB and UROC have set out an ambitious agenda to transform the support for independent waste and resource operators in the UK. T e partnership will focus on supporting operators to


improve skills and competencies across the breadth of operations as well as gaining access to information on relevant areas that aff ect their day to day operation from Health and Safety through to Environmental legislation and support. Chris James CEO of WAMITAB and Jenny Watts CEO of UROC took time out to explain what they hope to achieve from this new partnership.


What are you hoping that both organisations will achieve from the partnership?


Jenny Watts: We see the partnership as a real opportunity for UROC members and their employees. UROC has a wide-ranging membership that want to receive the most up to date and relevant information, advice and practical support that keeps their business’ moving; employees knowledgeable and meets the ever- changing challenges of environmental, transport and health & safety compliance.


We are delighted to welcome WAMITAB to the UROC table to help us develop the right skills to support all the needs of our members. WAMITAB, a charitable trust, is the industry training and advisory board for the waste and resource management sector as well as the Ofqual regulated awarding organisation which certifi cates qualifi cations for the waste and resource management sector; and works closely with regulators across the home nations to ensure Technical Competence works for the industry.


Chris James: SMEs are the cornerstone of the UK Economy and it is very noticeable when you travel around the UK you see the large number of independent family owned businesses in our sector. T e changing face of skills, government funding support being reduced and the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy are all creating


a very diff erent landscape for how we recruit, train, qualify and upskill our workforce. In addition, the outcome of consultations from DEFRA and the Environment Agency may have signifi cant implications for technically competent managers across every operator; from the small independents to the multi-nationals.


What are the key priorities?


Jenny:We have a number of challenges in terms of; the regulators, waste crime, waste categorisation etc. For me, it is ensuring that the independents have a strong and joined up voice which recognises the size of the sector they represent and the breadth of their operations.


Chris: T e skills landscape is undergoing unprecedented change. Support available to independent operators should be accessed before it disappears. Issues include existing skills gaps and shortages as well as uncertainty regarding the future skills of the workforce, driver shortages and attracting / retaining new labour are unresolved and will remain so for the foreseeable future.


T e facts point to a need for a critical review of skills needs and support at all levels including key skills of literacy, numeracy and IT, alongside attitudes, and behaviours and the technical skills that drive the productivity of the sector. WAMITAB is seeking links with schools to complement its work with Further and Higher Education to support


making the sector attractive for school leavers, right through to university graduates.


What should we look out for?


Jenny: T e launch of UROC Pro – professional services which will deliver skills and training for members, has a number of natural links with WAMITAB. We are developing training programmes which we seek to be accredited by WAMITAB as well as adopting the Validate Mobile Competence Assessment to underpin the learning and skills approach. We see this as a vital tool to support compliance, skills auditing and to develop the training programmes needed to meet operative as well as manager competence.


Chris: WAMITAB will continue to support UROC, through the provision of accreditation services, information, advice and guidance on policy around education and skills. WAMITAB will also support UROC in its strategy to develop programmes and services that are specifi cally tailored for independent operators needs. T rough our website and communication channels we will ensure UROC members are kept informed of all new developments. Particularly in relation to support for individuals into work from disadvantaged groups including unemployed and off enders.


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