Qualification in waste management launched

National qualification provider NCFE has launched a Level 2 NVQ in Waste Management Operations and says the qualification will help the UK reach its recycling targets.

The launch follows recent statistics from Defra for 2008/2009, which show a 2.9% increase in UK recycling rates when compared with those of 2007/2008.

The Level 2 qualification, due to be followed by a Level 3 NVQ, aims to train and retrain new entrants and existing employees in the waste management sector and will cover key areas including waste collection, treatment and disposal.

The qualification helps learners grasp issues such as team working, health and safety and dealing with emergencies.

David Grailey, chief executive of NCFE, says: “As a nation, although we have a long way to go, I think households and businesses are finally getting to grips with recycling and being green. As a result, however, there will be an increased pressure on employers within this sector to train their employees adequately to ensure that the UK’s waste is dealt with efficiently and effectively.

“Our new qualification is there to help train new entrants and re-train existing employees in all areas of waste management, as well as equip them with general workplace skills.

“NCFE’s NVQs have been developed to ensure they are easy to deliver, offer a good skills base for learners, are relevant to today’s workforce and recognise workers in this industry with a nationally recognised qualification.”

The course consists of six mandatory and four optional units and can be tailored to suit specific job roles by selecting from a range of optional specialist units, including contribution to the protection of the environment, preparing vehicles for use on site and controlling landfill operations.

The NVQ in Waste Management Operations also allows learners to progress to further qualifications in related subject areas, such as sustainable development.