National Apprenticeship Week: Why Biffa is a great place to kick start your career

10 Feb 2025

3 mins

The annual week-long event celebrates the value, benefit and opportunities of being paid to earn and learn

Corporate

Biffa has more than 100 apprentices in a range of roles, from fleet and engineering to management and finance.

Ten of those, including Jermaine Bennett, are on Biffa’s Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme, which was created in 2024 to develop the next generation of engineering talent, and is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET),

IET accreditation means Biffa’s engineering apprentices earn a globally recognised qualification and become professionally registered engineers with the Engineering Council, opening more opportunities for career growth and professional development. It also strengthens Biffa’s reputation as an employer committed to developing top talent in the industry.

The four-year Level 3 programme teaches a range of skills and sets young engineers up to become multi-skilled mechatronic technicians who carry out a range of activities at Biffa’s operational sites, including installation, testing, finding and fixing faults, modifications and the maintenance of complex automated equipment.

Thanks so much for your time, Jermaine. To break the ice, tell us a couple of fun facts about yourself.

I train Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and I’ve watched the whole series of The Office about 20 times!

How old are you, and where did you grow up? Where’s home now?

I'm 20 years old and I was born in Jamaica but grew up in Wembley. When I was 16, I moved to Hoddesdon for 6th form.

What did you study at school?

Before my apprenticeship started, I studied electrical installation at college. I knew then I wanted to pursue engineering as a career as it’s just so interesting and fascinating.

How did you become involved in Biffa’s apprenticeship scheme?

I spotted it on the job board Indeed. The job description and prerequisites were a great fit for my existing qualifications, so I applied. I had an interview, and I was over the moon to be offered the role.

Female employee in front of waste vehicles

Careers at Biffa

At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re turning it into sustainable power or finding new ways to recycle it, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions.

Where are you based and what’s a typical day look like?

I work at Biffa’s Edmonton Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in London, which processes thousands of tonnes of recycling from homes and businesses across the UK every week.

I usually get up around 6.30am and arrive at the site at 8am to check with my manager what tasks he has assigned me that day, which can include anything from installing, changing and adjusting the machinery, to finding and fixing problems.

Getting things right is crucial because I'm often working with state-of-the art, complex technology and lots of people are depending on me to provide an excellent service.

Completing course work will also be part of my day, but I normally do this at home or at college.

A career in waste might not be top of every young person’s dream job list, but you clearly love it! What do you most enjoy about the role?

I love the upbeat environment and team spirit. It really motivates me and makes coming to work an enjoyable experience.

Biffa engineering apprentice Jermaine Bennett

What’s the one thing about the waste industry that’s surprised you the most?

I think it’s just the sheer amount of waste we produce as a country. Households alone produce 30 million tonnes of waste every year, of which about six million tonnes is packaging, which is why it’s so important that we recycle as much of it as possible.

Would you recommend other young mechanical/electrical engineers to consider a career at Biffa?

Yes 100%! Biffa is a fantastic place to kick start your engineering career. You get to earn and learn alongside welders and other amazing experts in their field. It’s a brilliant profession.