New CIWM President launched initiatives on skills, careers and professional development

Speaking at his inauguration today as CIWM President 2019/20 at the Guildhall in Cambridge, Trevor Nicoll highlighted the importance of supporting skills and professional development across the resources and waste sector, not just for the current generation of professionals but also by promoting the opportunities that the sector offers to the next generation to nurture future Chartered Resource and Waste Managers.

With the core resources and waste sector employing over 150,000 people and more than 600,000 jobs anticipated in the wider circular economy by 2030, Trevor said that attracting new talent into the sector is essential.

“We need to ask the next generation some questions,” he said. “Will you be part of a sector that has so much to contribute to building a more sustainable and healthy future? Will you be part of a sector that will manage the valuable resources in our waste to protect our landscapes and our oceans? Would you like to be part of a bigger family that has a really important task ahead to help tackle climate change and reduce marine plastics pollution? Will you help to create a more circular economy to reduce consumption of the earth’s finite resources?”

Outlining CIWM’s response to these twin priorities, Trevor launched his Presidential report, which this year is a new Green Careers Toolkit developed to inspire students in secondary schools and colleges by showcasing the range, relevance and diversity of jobs in the sector. Developed for CIWM by Global Action Plan, the toolkit includes career profiles, information on the sector and the key policies that are shaping it, teaching and learning activities for teachers, and specific curriculum links to subjects including Science, Geography and Business Studies.

The toolkit will be one of the first resources to be hosted on a new teacher platform called ‘Transform Our World’ – a free online resource hub for teachers to bring environmental action into the classroom. The online hub will be launched in the New Year and the careers toolkit will also be hosted on CIWM’s Knowledge Centre.

Luke Wynne, Head of Youth and Schools at Global Action Plan said: “It has been great to work with CIWM and explore the different green career opportunities within the waste and RM industry. We're excited to have created a resource that aims to encourage young people from across the country to understand the opportunities available to them to pursue a career with purpose in this sector.”

Trevor then went on to outline CIWM’s recent work to map out a ‘full career pathway’ approach and develop a Framework of Professional Standards with the support of industry experts. The aim is to provide structured and targeted support to CIWM members working in the sector today to meet their professional development goals, address skills gaps and progress through the stages of CIWM membership to Chartered and Fellow grades.

“The Framework covers the knowledge, skills and behaviours that CIWM expects to see at four core levels of a resource and waste professionals’ career and this work has led us to the development of a new digital tool called ‘CIWM Aspire’, which will be launched in Spring 2020,” he explained.

“Based on the competences used to assess Chartered Waste Managers, the framework outlines the core sector knowledge and essential business skills that individuals need. By comparing their current knowledge and skills with the Framework, the digital platform will help CIWM Members to evaluate their career to date and offer learning opportunities for the future. This will enable our members to demonstrate their competence and knowledge, make a real difference in the sector and seize future opportunities.”

Welcoming a new CIWM Trustee Board (click here for news story), Trevor went on to outline the strategic goals for CIWM during his term of office:

• Building and enhancing the status and reputation of the waste and resources profession
• Supporting and growing our membership while also encouraging and educating future generations of waste and resource managers
• Ensuring the standard and competence of our members is world class.

“I believe that this year will be a crucial for the sector with the development of the new Resources and Waste Strategy in England and with the greater focus on the circular economy and the environment across all nations,” he concluded.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing around 5,600 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contact:
Pat Jennings
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Tel: 01604 620426
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E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk