Owain joined the TJ team as an apprentice in November 2021 and is enjoying the combination of learning and on-the-job training. Outside of work he enjoys playing football, running and trips to the gym.
My role is largely customer service focused, so I answer a lot of phone and email enquiries, book in orders, deal with obtaining road permits for skips and generally do everything I can to ensure our customers are happy and that the service they receive is seamless. I also do a bit of work for the drivers, assisting them with daily admin tasks and this is something that I’ll get more involved in in the future.
I’ve had two jobs prior to TJ; I worked at QA Hospital in housekeeping and as a football referee throughout my teenage years. Both of these roles involved providing a service, so I learnt many skills that I’ve been able to transfer into this role, which is great.
I thought an apprenticeship would be a good way to gain some qualifications as well as secure a position with an employer that is keen to train me. When I was looking at the apprenticeships on offer, this one stood out because I knew of TJ as a company, the role sounded varied and interesting and the fact that the role will eventually have some management elements appealed to me too.
The apprenticeship is delivered through South Downs College, although I do all my training and studying on-site at TJ. My assessor visits regularly to observe me and discuss elements of my on-the-job learning, which is very helpful. TJ are very supportive; they give me time during the working week to work on my assignments – usually Fridays – and if I ever need help with anything I know I can ask anytime and they’ll be on hand to assist.
When customers praise you for managing a job well or when you’ve been able to deliver a really good service and they’re impressed and pleased with what they’ve received – that’s a great feeling! It makes you feel all the hard work you’ve put in has paid off.
When issues arise with the drivers and rescheduling needs to be done to reshuffle the jobs – that can prove challenging. I’m responsible for sorting out those types of issues and when I first started the role there was a lot to learn about how best to handle them so that they’re resolved quickly and efficiently.
Whenever I have a problem or I need help with something, they help! Everyone is very accommodating and patient, they never moan at me for asking questions and they genuinely want me to learn and do well.
All the staff are friendly, everyone has welcomed me into the team and it’s great to be a part of it!
Find out more about our services and meet other team members on our blog thread…
The UK is the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world, with the total value of UK manufacturers’ product sales totalling £396.6 billion in 2019. Manufacturing equates to 11% of the UK’s GVA and employs 2.7 million people.
With the UK’s population continuing to grow, the waste industry is under increasing pressure, and the need for innovative, sustainable solutions has never been greater. From staggering statistics to surprising insights, check out our 10 shocking waste facts that might just change the way you think about rubbish.
Barney joined TJ Waste in February as an Operations Administrator and is enjoying learning all about the waste industry. Outside of work Barney is an avid football fan and plays five-a-side once a week. He also enjoys live music, Formula 1 and MotoGP.
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