From College Challenges to Career Success: Rio’s Journey with W&S Recycling
Supporting Career Growth Through Apprenticeships
At W&S Waste Management, we believe in creating opportunities that change lives. One such success story is that of Rio, who has recently qualified after completing his Level 3 apprenticeship in accounts and finance with us.
From day one, Rio thrived in the workplace environment. The hands-on experience, combined with structured learning, gave him the perfect balance of practical and theoretical knowledge. He quickly became an integral part of the team, building his confidence, developing key skills, and proving his abilities in a real-world setting.
Real-World Skills, Real Results
Like many young people, Rio found that full-time academic study wasn’t the right fit for him. After Sixth Form, College or University didn’t appeal to him, he was unsure about his future —until he was offered the opportunity to join W&S Waste Management as an apprentice in our accounts team.
Through his apprenticeship, Rio gained essential financial and administrative skills, including bookkeeping, invoice processing, financial reporting, and account reconciliation. He also developed strong analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and an eye for detail— critical for a role in finance. Beyond technical expertise, Rio built valuable workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and adaptability. Working in a professional environment also helped him grow in confidence, learning how to interact with colleagues, clients, and suppliers in a business setting.
Rio successfully completed his apprenticeship and has now fully qualified.
With the support of his colleagues and mentors, Rio successfully completed his apprenticeship and has now fully qualified. His journey is a testament to how alternative learning paths, such as apprenticeships, can unlock potential and lead to rewarding careers. '
'We’re incredibly proud of Rio and his achievements, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow within the company. His story highlights the power of opportunity, support, and the right environment to help individuals flourish.''
We're Committed to Social Impact and Community Growth
At W&S Waste Management, we are committed to investing in people, providing career pathways, and making a positive social impact—because when individuals succeed, communities and businesses thrive. See more of our community support by visiting our Social Values page.
