Recently the proud possessor of an NVQ Level 3 in Customer Service, Ben Brimson, Office Supervisor/ Team Leader at Waste King – a specialist collections, clearance and recycling company that focuses on providing a service which is highly environmentally friendly – is now continuing his studies by embarking on an NVQ level 5 in management and leadership.

On leaving the Army Air Corps, Ben spent some time as a car salesman before joining Waste King as an apprentice. Ben explained: “I wanted to work for a company which had a close-knit, ‘family’ atmosphere – and which wanted to invest in its workforce’s skills.

Ben Brimson, of Waste King.

“Having done a level 2 qualification during my time in the Army, I wanted to try for a level 3 qualification with Waste King,” he said. “Waste King was extremely supportive and, together with a local training/ coaching company, we chose a course of study which was in line with Waste King’s operational needs.”

Candidates for the NVQ level 3 qualification are allowed to take up to 14 months to achieve the qualification but Ben completed his studies in a year – and achieved a ‘distinction’ in both modules. His studies took place at Waste King’s premises and he received monitoring and coaching visits from supervisors from the local training company.

Waste King’s Managing Director, Glenn Currie, commented: “We’re really delighted for Ben that he’s achieved a nationally recognised qualification but we’re also delighted with the apprenticeship system that can help someone like Ben improve their work-related knowledge and skills. Encouraged by his successful studies, Ben is not only proving himself to be an able worker but is now also taking on greater responsibility in his customer service and administration work for us.”

Waste King’s Operations Director, Andy Cattigan, added: “Having had such a positive experience of employing apprentices in our organisation, we’re now looking to recruit further would-be apprentices in all areas of our operations.”

Ben commented: “I’d recommend the apprenticeship route to any young person looking for a job. It broadens your outlook, gives you new knowledge and skills and enables you to be more efficient and effective at your job.”