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Keele University graduate sees proposal become reality as Kier Stoke puts environmental suggestion into practice
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Kier Stoke, the joint venture between Stoke-on Trent City Council and Kier to deliver repairs and maintenance to over 19,000 social housing and public buildings across Stoke, has taken part in a university scheme that has provided valuable hands-on experience for Keele graduate Louise Fish, and enabled her to pass on beneficial, potentially cost saving, advice to the business.
Geography graduate Louise joined Kier Stoke through Keele Connect, an internship scheme that places West Midlands-based graduates with local companies for a 12-week internship to act as a bridge between university and full-time employment. The scheme provides graduates with valuable work experience, as well as helping companies in the region complete a project of their choice and, at the same time, build strong relationships with Keele University.
Louise was given the opportunity to review Kier's waste management systems and identify areas for improvement by putting her knowledge gained at university into practice. During her time at Kier, Louise drafted a waste management manual and advised the company on a re-tendering exercise to appoint a waste management contractor under a longer term partnership. Subsequently, Kier underwent a re-tender worth between £150,000 and £200,000, which is expected to generate cost savings in the future.
Kier Stoke development manager, Mick Fallon, said: "Louise has been able to focus solely on the waste management system at a time when the business is going through a major reorganisation and restructuring exercise. She highlighted key legislation as part of the review process to ensure compliance."
Louise said: "This has been one of the most valuable experiences I have had with regards to progressing in the environmental sector. It has given me the opportunity to gain not only specialist knowledge of how to manage the broad range of environmental issues applicable to business, but also practical experience in general office conduct and networking.
"It is a difficult time to be entering the environmental sector as a fresh graduate. The placement at Kier Stoke has acted as a stepping stone for me from the academic to the business world, providing me with the chance to receive training and experience and I have grasped it with both hands."
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Rachael Hunter
Acceleris Marketing Communications
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