After spending some time this week looking through the applications for LARAC's scholarship programme, it makes me very proud to see the levels of excellence coming through into the industry.
The scholarship programme has been running for a number of years and provides those who are new to the industry an opportunity to attend the UK Conference for free, whilst also gaining some additional support in the form of collaboration and a site visit to see first-hand how WEEE recycling works in practice. I’d like to extend my thanks to Ecogenesys (formally REPIC) who are once again sponsoring the scholarship programme this year, and giving up their time to support the scholars.
After working in the industry for over 20 years, it can be easy to take things for granted at times, however, reading through the applications and sensing the levels of enthusiasm towards the industry, reminds me what amazing achievements and progress have been made in waste management over the past few decades. I think it can often be too easy to focus on the struggles and challenges within the industry, but there are so many positives as well.
I have met hundreds of people throughout my waste journey and attended countless conferences, webinars and meetings, and there are always positive stories, projects and initiatives to share.
We are moving forwards, some may say not as fast as we want to, but we are going in the right direction, nonetheless. And I can see why there are still so many newcomers who want to forge their career in this space, as it's an industry that is continuing to grow, and one things for certain, it will always keep you on your toes and will never be boring!
So as mentioned, successful scholars are awarded a free place at the UK Conference on 8th-9th October in Birmingham, however, if you are not a scholar and wish to attend then now it the time to secure your ticket as the Early Bird rate is only available for a short time. You can purchase your tickets here.
I’m away on holiday for a couple of weeks in June for a well-earned rest and to recharge my batteries in preparation for the rest of the Summer, where one of the first events on the calendar when I return will be to Chair the LARAC Wales Conference in Cardiff. Still with the second highest recycling rate in the world – Wales has a lot of best practice to share and I’ll be looking forwards to seeing my Welsh colleagues on 8th July. It would be great to see you there, and tickets are currently available here.
