Work experience programme launched

The first students have completed GENeco’s new work experience programme for year 10 students, called ‘Ignite’.

Eleven pupils, from the Merchant’s Academy school in Bristol, spent a week at GENeco’s main site in Avonmouth.

They were set a task to tackle a real-life business opportunity relating to GENeco’s food waste recycling operations. This involved a site tour, workshops with key members of staff and an individual research project. The project culminated in a presentation to key GENeco employees.

The student group also visited Ashford Water Treatment Works to see how drinking water is processed, and Wessex Water’s headquarters in Bath.

Bioresources advisor Laura Blake said: “Ignite is designed to assist students with the transition from education into working life, and give children from Bristol a chance to experience what a job in the sustainability sector looks like.”

Further Ignite programmes are planned with other secondary schools in the local area, including St Katherine’s School in Pill.

Director of Waste Management Sean Hill said:

“We firmly believe that diversity is an asset to our business and want to encourage a greater number of young people from Bristol to consider working in waste and recycling. Over the course of the year we hope to engage with many more students.”