The Waste & Resources Action Programme is introducing a new funding mechanism geared toward boosting the skills of senior management in the recycling industry.
The organization believes that for the recycling industry in the UK to double in sizae to meet government targets, management will need to be able to manage the growth, as well as attract new investments.
WRAP’s new Funding for Senior Management Training scheme was launched July 28. It is designed to encourage personal development among senior managers and boost confidence in the recycling sector with the investment community.
Bevis Watts, Head of Business Support at WRAP, explains: "The recycling industry needs to grow significantly to cope with increasing demand and it can’t do that without the management skills and the investment it requires. While additional training and qualifications alone will not secure investment, it can reassure investors that their money will be managed well. WRAP believes that expanding the skills set of recycling’s senior management is a vital part of helping the sector to grow."
The Funding for Senior Management Training scheme offers recycling businesses financial support to train senior executives in all areas of business management and is designed to raise levels of knowledge and skills within the sector. Successful applicants can claim up to £5,000 towards training costs under the scheme. No match funding is required.
The application criteria are simple and flexible. Eligible training can take many different forms from a formal training course or long-distance learning, to attending seminars or workshops and even mentoring or coaching. The proposed training must develop the manager’s ability to deliver their existing role or be in preparation for a future identified function and must be provided by a recognized training provider or a credible course.
Preference will be given to areas known to be lacking in the UK recycling sector such as financial planning, strategic planning, health and safety and risk management, but other training needs will also be considered.
Any small or medium sized enterprise within the UK recycling sector, whether an existing or start-up venture, can apply to the scheme for support as long as it recycles one or more of the materials within WRAP’s remit - aggregates, glass, plastics, organics, paper, wood, tires, plasterboard, batteries, WEEE and ELV - or operates in one of its target markets of construction, manufacturing or retail.
Once an application is approved, WRAP will agree to provide funding when the training has been completed and evidence of payment and attendance has been received. Participating companies will need to pay any upfront fees initially.
Further information about the Funding for Senior Management Training scheme and details of how to apply can be found at www.wrap.org.uk, together with details of all the other business support services offered by WRAP. There is also a free phone helpline: 0808 100 2040.