THEY say “where there’s muck, there’s brass”, and it is never truer than in waste management – especially for women.
The fast-growing industry is one of the few that pays women on a par with, or in many cases better than, men.
While waste management is traditionally thought of as a role for men, conjuring up images of refuse lorries, skips, hard hats and landfill sites, bosses are on a mission to bring more women in.
Currently around 27 per cent of the waste management workforce are female — and this number is growing year on year.
Studies have shown that women are more likely to champion recycling and eco-awareness in the home, so the industry is hoping to capitalise on this by promoting more women in both frontline and senior management positions.
Fiona Campbell is head of sustainability at industry giant Biffa. The 47-year-old, from Southfields, South London, once worked on the sorting line in a recycling centre and is now passionate about encouraging more women into the waste management industry.
She said: “In what is still often regarded as a male-dominated sector, it’s perhaps unsurprising the industry has not always been the first choice for many women.
“A commitment to diversity and inclusion means this is changing, with more women now becoming drivers, refuse collectors and street cleaners.
“While our amazing frontline colleagues are the backbone of our operations, this industry is so much more than bins and trucks.
“There are many other exciting roles that make a real difference to the world, from engineering and environmental monitoring to biodiversity and innovation.
“The female perspective is so important if we want to change society’s attitude to waste.
“Research shows it’s women who are playing a key role in championing eco-awareness.”
With the push towards net zero and the “circular economy” — producing and reusing items with minimum waste — the UK waste management industry plans to invest £10billion and create 40,000 jobs over the next decade.
Projects including recycling infrastructure, renewable energy and the redistribution of surplus produce to those who need it most mean that jobs are no longer simply about waste disposal but can have a real impact on tackling carbon emissions and food poverty.
New roles are available at every level, from school leavers and new graduates to experienced experts.
Positions range from drivers, engineers and chemists to regulatory, customer services, logistics, site management and community engagement.
To help recruit more women, Biffa has launched a Women In Waste group and is looking at introducing family-friendly policies and flexible working conditions.
The company has also pioneered special PPE and frontline workwear that better fits the female body shape.
Anthony Aarons, group head of recruitment, said: “At Biffa, we embrace diversity, equity and inclusion, and pride ourselves on fostering an environment where career progression is not just a possibility but a priority.”
Find jobs at:
PAY-as-you-go energy firm Utilita has launched a new smart meter apprenticeship.
See utilita.co.uk/careers.
NEW PM Sir Keir Starmer has claimed he will try not to work after 6pm on Fridays.
And the Labour Party has reignited debate around work-life balance, with a proposal that would mean staff can refuse to answer calls and emails outside of work hours.
Here, Rebecca Williams, talent strategy adviser at jobs board Indeed, shares her steps to make a 6pm log-off a reality.
PUT BOUNDARIES IN PLACE: Pick a time to end your work day and stick to it as if it is an appointment. Let your team know to avoid after-hours interruptions and bring it up if messages continue.
LOG OUT OF WORK DEVICES: With constant pings and notifications it can be hard to switch off, even if we are finished for the day.
Leave your work devices in a designated area of your home and log out of any email or message services after hours.
PRACTISE DAILY MICRO BREAKS: Whether it is a quick meditation, a walk or simply sitting down with a cup of tea, these little moments can boost endorphins and help prevent burnout, and even make you more productive once you’re back at your desk.
TALK LESS AND DO MORE: Ensure you don’t have lengthy meetings which could be handled over email. When meetings are necessary, set a clear agenda and keep them to the time needed.
CREATE A DEDICATED WORK SPACE: If working from home, create a physical boundary between work and personal life.
This helps signal to your brain when it is time to work or time to relax.
YOUNG and out of work? Then take advantage of Youth Employment Week.
Run by not-for-profit social enterprise Youth Employment, there is a wealth of online support to help you grow your work skills and get connected with people who can support you through your next steps.
The organisation is also highlighting the benefits of recruiting young people and helping firms connect with youngsters looking for a job.
A spokeswoman said: “Whether you want to launch your career or explore something new, there’s an exciting opportunity waiting for you.”
Find out more at youthemployment.org.uk/youth-employment-week.
KEEN to boost your CV with voluntary work but don’t have much time to spare? Try “microvolunteering”.
Rather than committing to certain days, the Gen Z trend sees volunteers drop in to help charities whenever they can.
As a result, the British Heart Foundation has seen the number of young volunteers leap, with 53 per cent now aged between 16 and 24.
Anastacia Oliveira, 17, volunteers in her local BHF shop in Herts whenever she wants to do something creative.
She said: “I love art and fashion and over the summer, I’ve been decorating sunglasses with alphabetical beads and made a few types of jewellery to sell in the shop.”
Visit bhf.org.uk/volunteer.
FACILITIES management giant OCS has announced plans to hire 1,000 apprentices in the next 12 months.
See ocs.com/uk/about-ocs/apprenticeships-funded-learning.
