J&B News & Updates

08.02.23 | Team News

National Apprentice Week is a week-long celebration of apprenticeships and the impact they have on individuals, communities, and the economy. It is a time to recognise the contributions of apprentices, employers, and trainers in promoting skills development and career opportunities. The week provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the benefits of apprenticeships, and to encourage more people to consider this pathway to a successful career.

To mark National Apprentice Week, we caught up with Brad Sullivan, who joined J&B Recycling as an Electrical Engineer apprentice in 2017. Brad grew up in Hartlepool and completed his apprenticeship with Hartlepool College of Further Education.

Brad says, "As someone who has benefited from an apprenticeship scheme, I can vouch for the positive impact that these programs can have on individuals and their career prospects. Through my apprenticeship, I was able to gain practical experience and build valuable skills in my chosen field, while also earning a steady income. This allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, and gave me a foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.

"In addition to providing practical experience, apprenticeship programs also offer a supportive and inclusive learning environment. I was surrounded by experienced mentors and colleagues who were always willing to lend their expertise and offer guidance, and I felt valued and appreciated as a member of the team."

Apprenticeships provide a unique combination of on-the-job training and theoretical learning, which equips individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen field. Apprentices work alongside experienced professionals and receive guidance and support from skilled trainers, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and develop their skills in a real-world setting. This approach to learning is beneficial for both the apprentice and the employer, as the apprentice gains valuable experience and the employer gains a skilled worker.

Anne White, HR Manager at J&B Recycling, says: "I have found that apprenticeships offer a win-win solution for both the apprentice and the employer. By offering apprenticeships, we are able to bring in fresh talent and provide them with the training and support that they need to succeed in their careers. This not only helps to address skills gaps within our business, but also ensures that we have a well-trained and motivated workforce for the future."

J&B Recycling are waste management specialists working across the North East of England. Our  head office is based in Hartlepool and we have sites in South Tees (Middlesbrough) and Washington (Sunderland). We advertise all job opportunities, including for apprentices, on our website. For more information about the opportunities visit our careers page.