Run by Ashley Community and Housing (ACH) and Bristol Waste Company, the programme focuses on providing essential skills and opportunities, especially in sectors which make a difference in their local communities – such as the waste industry.
So far Bristol Waste Company has welcomed two new colleagues, brothers Mazin and Khalid Ali, following this successful programme. The pair have received full training as refuse and recycling loaders.
The training included insight sessions and practical work placements, designed to support refugees and migrants in experiencing first-hand what it is like to work for Bristol Waste with the opportunity to secure permanent employment.
The Bridge to Employment initiative also enabled the Bristol Waste team to better understand and help overcome the challenges refugees and migrants face and appreciate the benefits they bring to employers.
Ceri Hodgkinson, director of people at Bristol Waste Company, commented: “We are thrilled to have partnered with ACH on the Bridge to Employment programme.
“Our work keeping Bristol clean and safe is vital to the city, and our goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
“This programme has been a fantastic step in that direction, and we understand it has made a positive difference to those who followed the programme, and especially our new colleagues who have started their career journey with Bristol Waste.”
Julia Dixon-Barrow, entrepreneurship and engagement manager at ACH, added: “This collaborative programme has provided refugees and migrants with the opportunity to contribute positively to their community. We are incredibly proud of Mazin and Khalid and we’re grateful for the support from Bristol Waste Company.”
Bristol Waste said that the success of the programme “marks a significant milestone in [our] commitment to diversity and providing social value”.
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