SEVENTEEN recycling operatives are not letting their skills go to waste by completing a new course at Exeter College.

The Exeter City Council staff who work at the Materials Reclamation Facility (MRF) in Marsh Barton have recently achieved a National Vocational Qualification in Waste Management Operations Level 2.

Part of the Government’s Train to Gain programme aimed at upskilling employees, the programme was offered in partnership with WAMAS, a waste management training provider based in Northamptonshire.

The operatives were assessed by Exeter College training officers as they worked over a three-week period.

Answering questions on health and safety, in-house fire systems and recycling issues, the staff had to produce portfolios of their work to a high standard.

Two learners also completed a Skills for Life course and all Polish & Slovakian workers were given the opportunity to do English language courses.

Exeter College principal Richard Atkins said: “We are very pleased to have enabled 17 Exeter City Council staff achieve their NVQ2 in Recycling Operations through the Train to Gain scheme. “Our training officers worked closely with the council to ensure there was minimal disruption to the production line and at times that were convenient with the plant and shift patterns. “In addition, we organised English courses for Polish and Slovakian workers and Skills for Life programmes for two learners. “By working in partnership with WAMAS – the training provider specialising in Waste Management – we also responded to the needs of the business and sector.”

Chris Callister who manages the Materials Reclamation Facility said: “Doing their normal work and completing an NVQ requires a high level of concentration which is testament to the team’s commitment to the job of processing Exeter’s recycling. “We have a well-motivated team of people who, along with our colleagues in the Cleansing Department, are making a difference to the way the city is achieving its recycling goals.”