Arjayan's STORY

FCC Environment is driven to create a more sustainable, better future – for our communities, our planet, and future generations.

Whether it’s thinking outside the box to turn waste into resources, engineering ideas that change the way things get done or dreaming up a scientific formula that cracks a problem wide open, a career with FCC allows you to turn imagination into climate action.

We spoke to some of our recent Graduate Trainees to ask them why they joined the business and how they are finding their first few months working in the environmental sector.

What do you do and where do you do it?

I am a Graduate Management Trainee. I am currently working in the Hull and East Riding Contract (9 Months) and will be working in Wrexham soon for 9 Months. I am working on the recycling industry and trying to understand the Legal, Company and Contractual Obligations around Quality Management, Environment, Health, and Safety. This is to understand how to effectively manage an operational site. On top of this, as a graduate, I aim to come up with initiative ideas to tackle issues that occur in the recycling industry. 

Why is your role important?

As a graduate who is new in the industry, I bring a fresh perspective and graduating in Environmental Economics allows me to bring new ideas and innovative solutions to challenges within the ever-changing recycling industry. Additionally, to meet the UK’s recycling target of 65% by 2035 strategic implementations have to be in place to meet the growing demand while ensuring that sustainability remains a central focus.  

Which parts of the job do you enjoy most/ find most rewarding?

I enjoy the statistical analysis of reports and data, especially looking at energy consumption levels and understanding the trends/patterns throughout the year. This allows me to come up with targets that will be implemented in the energy management reports. I also enjoy improving productivity in the department using technology, such as creating a shared platform on SharePoint to creating Tiktok Videos to promote recycling and sustainability.

What path did you use to get to the position you hold today?

During my final year at university studying Economics and Environment, I started to look into Graduate Programmes. FCC Environment stood out to me, I got involved in the application process which consisted of multiple assessment centres and thankfully secured my place as a Graduate Management Trainee. 

What did you do before?

I always knew I had a passion for the Environment and because of it, I volunteered in a Turtle Conservation Centre in Sri Lanka which inspired me to care for the environment. I have also been part of setting up recycling campaigns to increase public awareness.

After completing my GCSEs, I decided to do an A Level in Mathematics, Geography and Psychology. Then I attended the University of York to study BSc Economics, Environment and Ecology.

What attracted you to join the energy and utilities sector?

I wanted to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to sustainability efforts. The energy utility sector plays a crucial role in providing clean and renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. Energy which has been created from waste not only meets the increasing demand for energy but also provides sustainable electricity for people.

The position I am in gives me hands-on experience whereby the decisions I make contribute to the company’s Net Zero campaign by 2040.

What do you think of the career prospects? Have you had much training and development?

I have received training both virtually and in person, these include Health and Safety, Environmental and Quality management. These have allowed me to make the right decisions at work and allowed me to expand my horizons.

What does an average day consist of?

On-site:

My day consists of monitoring the site to ensure operations are carried out healthily and safely and ensuring rules are adhered to.

Providing relevant training and Toolbox Talks to individuals and cascading safety alerts.

Carrying out Weekly, Monthly and Annual checks to ensure things are up to standard. 

In Office:

Ensuring that site filing documents are up to date and archived in the right way.

Coming up with solutions/alternatives to issues which have happened on site.

Coming up with initiative ideas to boost productivity at work while also producing reports and analysis internally and to councillors.

Meetings:

Attending and contributing to regional meetings with Managers, Supervisors and Councils. These meetings give an opportunity to discuss best practices across the company and other raised matters.

Would you recommend your job to a friend and why?

Yes, each day presents new challenges and opportunities, making the work environment stimulating. Transformation of waste materials into valuable resources, contributing to environmental sustainability and resource conservation is very rewarding. Professionals in these fields have the chance to make an impact on the planet and future generations. The industry is full of a diverse range of roles thus ensuring that no two days are the same and this leads to continuous learning and personal growth.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our Graduate’s journeys with FCC thus far and if joining FCC sounds like it is up your street, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more about our Graduate & Apprenticeship schemes and how to apply, please visit: https://www.fccenvironment.co.uk/careers/early-careers/