In September 2019, Max began his Supported Internship with local recycling firm, CDDL Recycling.

During initial job-match discussions with bemix, Max expressed an interest in working on, or in, a truck, as well as working outdoors. The opportunity with CDDL Recycling seemed to be a great fit!

Mark Rose, bemix Employer Engagement Lead, and CDDL Recycling Director, Tony Hughes, identified a potential Supported Internship placement and importantly, a real business need to have a recycling assistant. The role would be to assist the driver in and around various Kent locations to fulfil recycling contracts for the business. Max was introduced to the team and like Tony, they also felt he would be a perfect match for the job.

In March 2020, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Max’s placement came to a temporary halt. However, in September 2020 Max was welcomed back to the company to complete his placement.

As a result of Max’s hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and skill set, he was offered a full time position at CDDL Recycling, in January 2021.

When asked ‘What does getting a job mean to you?’ Max said "It's awesome, brilliant! I would have had difficulty finding a job on my own. Now I am earning my own living, so I can buy my own things.”

"It's awesome, brilliant! I would have had difficulty finding a job on my own. Now I am earning my own living, so I can buy my own things.” - Max

CDDL Recycling Director, Tony, said “The decision to employ Max was simple. We were looking for someone who wanted to work, and work in our industry. When we met Max you could see the enthusiasm straight away and we had no hesitation in offering him a role. Max has wanted to learn every day, and has done so extremely well. Max is now a valuable member of the team, a great team player and a very hard worker.”

“Max is a fantastic help on both the dustcart and the vans, he is a joy to work with, listens very well and has learnt everything with eagerness, Max is a value to the CDDL team.” Ged, CDDL Employee and Max’s co-worker

Rosie, Max’s work coach said ''It has been a privilege to support Max over the last few months at CDDL (not that he has needed me much!). Max has worked so hard throughout his time with us at bemix and within his work placement. Max took every opportunity given to learn new skills and progress in his role, he reached every goal set and was always eager to do more. To hear Max say how chuffed he was with his offer of employment was truly heartwarming. Max, good luck and a huge congratulations.''

"Max took every opportunity given to learn new skills and progress in his role, he reached every goal set and was always eager to do more. To hear Max say how chuffed he was with his offer of employment was truly heartwarming." - Rosie, Max's Work Coach

Like all bemix Supported Internship employers, CDDL Recycling has the vision to see the value in everybody. They see the value in employing someone with a unique set of skills, talents, experience and interests and how those things can be successfully matched to a real business need within their organisation. This mutually beneficial relationship helps businesses grow and young people grow skills, confidence and experience. 

For more information about Supported Internships click here.