Apprenticeships

My first role at Cory was through an agency at the Company’s materials recycling facility (MRF) in Wandsworth. I then moved to permanent employment as a Supervisor, overseeing the sorting of hundreds of tonnes of recyclable and non-recyclable materials a day. During this time, Cory supported me as I completed my Waste Level 3 Apprenticeship. After leaving the Company for two years to work for other organisations in the waste management sector, I re-joined Cory in 2020 as Deputy Site Manager of the MRF. The work of the MRF really must be seen to be believed – huge in scale and impressive in its efficiency as it acts as an essential, but largely unseen, part of London’s waste infrastructure. The sense of responsibility I have in my role is something I still feel daily.  

I began my career as an Apprentice Mechanical Technician at another organisation, before joining Cory in 2010. I started as a Technician and have since moved through various roles in the Company to become Engineering Manager of the energy from waste facility in Belvedere. Alongside my current role, and with the Company’s support, I am also studying for an Executive MBA through Warwick Business School. Energy from waste is fascinating; as with any sector, it has its challenges – which I meet daily as an engineer – and opportunities, especially as the country seeks to become a more sustainable, net zero economy.

I joined Cory in 2015 as an Apprentice in Fabricating and Welding after finishing my A-levels. I now work as a Welder at the Company’s Barge Yard in Charlton. My longer-term goal is to work in a management role at Cory. I enjoy my job – not only is it challenging and rewarding to fix problems as part of a great (and fun) team, but it feels like I’m contributing to something bigger in helping to manage London’s waste and energy supply. It’s also good to be part of a company with a proud history of operating on the River Thames for 125 years. 

After studying Philosophy at the University of Birmingham, I joined Cory in 2015 as the Receptionist at Head Office. I had a good feeling about the Company from the outset, both in terms of people and purpose, and after six months I moved to a new role as HR Administrator. Since then, I have progressed to HR Advisor while being supported by the Company to complete professional qualifications through the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). The scope and variety of Cory’s operations is something that you don’t find at every organisation and I enjoy working across our sites with a range of people from different walks of life.