Waste Manager Review

Overall management of the Waste and Recycling Service. Oversee the management of circ. 160 staff (both full time and agency staff) Responsible for all aspects of Health and Safety within the department. Responsible for department budget Create and set the waste strategy for the organisation Responsible for the development and growth of the Commercial Waste service Representative for Bolton Council in the Greater Manchester City Region (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) Work within a highly political and unionised environment. Support, mentor and develop staff

Since commencing the degree apprenticeship programme my whole approach to work has changed. Now I am able to analyse situations subjectively and approach most scenarios with a ‘consultancy’ approach. I address the needs of the business, align the department with the organisations vision and continually review to ensure we provide a value for money service that maximises resources and encourages development at every opportunity. I have also been temporarily promoted to my current position where I am responsible for the department (my substantive post is a Team Leader where I was responsible for the line management of circ. 40 staff and the recycling service).

I thoroughly enjoy the degree apprenticeship programme. It has allowed me to grow and develop myself and is giving me the tools to improve the rest of my career. I have however found it difficult over the last year due to distance learning as a result of COVID-19.

The programme is well structured. As an improvement suggestion the relationship between the Employer Liaison Tutor and myself could be more (we currently have limited contact - once or twice per year). Value can also be improved with the quality of some (not all) of the lecturers. Their support and delivery models can differ large amounts and I/we have also experienced lectures from ‘new’ lecturers/professionals. I fully understand that everyone has to start somewhere however as a professional with limited attendance at uni it is vital every session is productive and contains quality content. Sadly some have lacked the level of quality and content that I find beneficial.

I have received minimal support from my employer throughout the programme. Partly due to previous management/mentor who has since left the organisation but also due to me not really requesting much support. My experience is a lot of this course is directed to the private sector (which is absolutely fine) however, finding someone within the organisation that can have a broad view/experience and can add value to my studies has been challenging.

This has varied somewhat. Certain lecturers have been absolutely brilliant. Their real life experiences and years of lecturing has added so much value and has been instrumental in my assignment results. Unfortunately others have been less so. Support throughout from the Employer Liaison Tutor team has been minimal as best.

It is without doubt that this course has improved most aspects of my role. I have attained a temporary promotion, feel confident, can relate theory and practice and it will help to drive my career progression moving forward. My writing and analytical styles have improved as has my professionalism and approach to my work, department and organisation.

None currently

Yes

As a Local Government organisation Bolton Council is at the heart of the local population and really does serve the people who reside in the borough. All aspects of the organisation directly impact on the general public and in my experience, I can understand how I contribute to a better environment, provide value for money and see the positive impact the organisation has on people’s lives. Although challenging at times against often negative perceptions it is hugely gratifying to fully understand what the organisation is and planning to do for the interest of the Borough.

Approach the organisation with an open mind. Local Government gets a lot of bad press however, you actually see results, you understand your contribution to society and can grow and develop within the organisation. An understanding of the political environment is an advantage. Learn about the organisation, its vision and it’s residents. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In my experience I have always received the answers (weather positive or negative) which allows me to excel in my role.