“It’s really built my confidence”
FCC Environment’s apprentices share their experience this National Apprenticeship Week
This National Apprenticeship Week, FCC Environment, is celebrating the journeys of its apprentices, who are shaping the future of the waste and recycling sector.
For Charlotte MacDonald, who is undertaking a Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship, it’s been an opportunity to gain a broad understanding and experience different perspectives and processes that all feed into the company’s work. Charlotte works closely with a small team, something she says has really let her get to know her colleagues and built her confidence in the role, while still having the opportunity to develop a strong understanding of the organisation as a whole. Charlotte said: “I already feel so invested in the projects I’m working on, and I can see the long‑term, sustainable vision FCC is working towards. It’s something I’d be really proud to be part of in the future.”
Her apprenticeship has also given her a new perspective on other areas of her life. A keen horse rider, Charlotte has ridden her horse through the same fields for years, without realising it was a restored quarry, until she started the apprenticeship. She said: “Now every time I ride over it, I think about how much I’ve already learned here”.
Sandra Zak is completing a Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and came across the role on the Government’s apprenticeship website. Sandra says the variety in her role has helped her understand how her department supports the wider business and that “it’s been a good mix of learning new things and putting them into practice.” Sandra chose FCC Environment because “it’s a company known for caring about sustainability and doing things the right way”
Joe O’Neill, began his career as a Level 3 Business Administration Apprentice before progressing onto a Level 6 Chartered Management Degree. Joe said he chose to work at FCC Environment for its global reputation and that it’s “a company with great career opportunities and a place where no two days are the same. The waste industry will always be around, so having the security of that makes working at FCC even better.”
Gaye Glading, Early Careers and Development Manager is responsible for the apprentices at FCC Environment, she said: “Apprenticeships are at the core of shaping the future of the waste sector. At FCC Environment, our doors open to people who are keen to learn and to make a real difference. The waste management industry is constantly evolving and always in need of sustainable solutions. Our apprenticeships gain detailed hands-on experience, vital qualifications, and they get to be a part of genuinely impactful work in communities and for the environment. It is a great time to join us and start building a career that supports a greener, more resilient future.”
Apprenticeships are a wonderful way to uncover talented and dedicated individuals who have a genuine passion for learning and want to start their careers, while also giving candidates a realistic view of what specific roles are like day to day. At FCC Environment, apprentices are taught the core skills needed for a successful career in the waste industry and are supported by expert mentors who provide training, knowledge, and opportunities to explore their areas of interest.
FCC Environment’s apprenticeship programme offers a diverse range of learning experiences, combining work‑based training with guidance from industry specialists. Apprentices gain hands‑on experience and practical insights that help build confidence and capability from the very start.
Alongside this, apprentices have the opportunity to continue their education at college while gaining real‑world experience at FCC. This ensures they receive both the academic foundation and the on‑the‑job development needed to thrive in their chosen career path.