Encore Environment
Encore Environment and SCIoT: Pioneering Sustainability in Education and Industry
Rachel Rowley, Managing Director at waste management consultancy Encore Environment, describes working with the South Central Institute of Technology on sustainability, a live student project and apprenticeships as “truly collaborative”.
Walking through the doors at the South Institute of Technology (SCIoT) opens up a world of possibilities for students and employer partners alike.
But when Encore Environment’s Managing Director Rachel Rowley first visited the IoT, part of Milton Keynes College Group, she actually came to take some old doors away.
That first visit in early 2022 came after Rachel contacted the College about Encore Environment’s ProjectDIVERT, which keeps items out of landfill by diverting them to good causes for free.
She’d heard about the redevelopment work at the IoT through one of their clients – Ashe Construction – who were refurbishing and extending the Andrew Peck building.
Ashe Construction identified 1.2 tonnes of materials that were surplus to requirements and could be redirected for future use.
The ten internal doors were delivered to the New Meaning Foundation, a charity that builds sustainable homes for people who have experienced homelessness.
When Encore Environment collected the doors and other materials, it fuelled further conversations about sustainability, which led to talks with the employer engagement manager and SCIoT tutors, followed by an innovative idea for a student project.
Just over a year later, Encore Environment regularly delivers sustainability-focused talks to students, and the IoT’s first year HNC/HND technology students are working on a live software development brief for an app for ProjectDIVERT.
Rachel explained, “It’s a truly collaborative relationship – a double-sided, equal relationship, borne out of individuals who have come to the table with the same goals. The College are on the same journey with regard to sustainability and reducing their impact on the environment, so we think the same. We are working in the same space, making a difference in a topic that is moving all the time.”
She added, “Seeing the quality of the ProjectDIVERT work that the HNC students have been involved with has given me real confidence in the partnership.”
Soon, Encore Environment will welcome two new technology apprentices to support the growth of their business.
When discussing why they chose to work with the College for their apprenticeships, Rachel said, “MK College helped with guidance on apprenticeships, gave me levy information, made it easy for me. For me, it was an absolute no-brainer. I have had everything I have needed, if not more; the support is always there and is tailored – they have exceeded expectations.”
Asked if she would recommend working with MK College, she said, “Absolutely, yes – I’d recommend it because I think they’re leading, definitely because of the IoT and investment and refurbishment there, but also the experience of tutors and their commitment and knowledge. In terms of technology, in terms of sustainability, they seem like-minded. They have a passion for sustainability, which is coming across loud and clear.”