Recycling Lives to launch training academy

Recycling Lives is to open a new training academy to develop the skills of its employees, the local community and ex-offenders.

The Recycling Lives Terry Jackson Academy, named after one of the business founders, will offer desk-based tuition, remote learning, hands-on demonstrations and virtual reality to induct new employees, upskill and develop existing staff and support offender rehabilitation.

Staff training will include management development, induction, specific vocational and life-skill based courses, and sustainability modules designed to empower attendees to address climate change both in the workplace and at home.

Internal core programmes will offer senior leadership and managers development opportunities, employees, and ‘Rising Stars’ identified as potential future leaders.

It will also induct and upskill ex-offenders working with the business as part of the long-standing engagement with the justice system that is central to the company’s commitment to delivering social value, alongside its work with the Recycling Lives Charity.

Virtual reality and AV resources are used to show the various processes and operations employed by the company. The training centre incorporates facilities for remote online training of staff at Recycling Lives’ 18 facilities across the UK. It will also be used by internal candidates accepted onto the metal recycling apprenticeship for the ‘off job’ development part of the qualification.

The centre will be based at the former Golden Hill recycling site, which is the original site of the company. It will feature remodelled interiors of the existing warehouse, storage and office facilities.

Inductions of staff and training and development activities begin in March, and activities will expand to offer opportunities to local communities, and collaboration with schools and colleges.

Gerry Marshall, chief executive of Recycling Lives, said: “As the business continues to grow with new investment in resources, it is more important than ever that we also invest in the people we employ and those who are joining our company, to create a skilled and sustainable workforce that can share our success.

"We are passionate about helping to raise the skill levels across schools and colleges, and within the justice system and disadvantaged groups to help them find meaningful, sustainable employment, which in turn provides positive social-economic impact."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.