Transforming engineering careers: Growing talent from within

Biffa engineering

Summary:

  • Partner: Biffa
  • Sector: Waste management and sustainability
  • Challenges: A highly competitive engineering talent market and the need to upskill staff without disrupting busy operational schedules.
  • Solution: Undergraduate engineering degree pathways delivered through The Open University (OU).
  • Outcome: Improved employee retention, a clear "apprentice-to-director" talent pipeline, and empowered staff stepping into senior leadership roles.

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Background: Bridging the engineering skills gap

For Biffa, finding qualified engineers in a competitive marketplace is a constant challenge. Rather than relying solely on external recruitment, Biffa has shifted its focus to "growing its own" to build a workforce defined by loyalty and trust.

By partnering with the OU, Biffa provides its employees with high-quality higher education that integrates seamlessly with their professional responsibilities.

When we grow our own talent, we build loyalty, commitment and trust.

Jordan Stuart,
Engineering Training and Apprenticeship Manager, Biffa

The power of flexible learning

Biffa’s engineering environment is fast-paced and demanding. Traditional full-time education isn't an option for most employees. The OU’s tutor-supported, online model allows Biffa staff to:

  • Study around planned work schedules.
  • Apply academic theory directly to their technical roles.
  • Progress from entry-level positions toward director-level ambitions.

Biffa funds this education, removing financial barriers and demonstrating a long-term investment in its people.

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Opening doors to higher education

The OU’s open-access policy means that prior formal qualifications aren't always a requirement, making it the perfect partner for a diverse workforce.

  • National reach: The OU provides high-level training to Biffa sites in remote areas that lack local universities.
  • Scalable pathways: Programs range from individual certificates to full BSc and Master’s degrees.

The OU is unique in being able to reach the four corners of the four nations... providing provision for areas that don't have higher education generally.

Dr. Gareth Neighbour,
Senior Lecturer, The Open University

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Employee success stories: Moving up the ladder

Damien: Breaking boundaries

  • Role: Group Head of Engineering (Maintenance)
  • Journey: A Royal Navy veteran now pursuing a BSc in Engineering.
  • Impact: Damien is the first in his family to reach this level of education, using his degree to unlock senior leadership opportunities.

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Mark: From the army to engineering management

  • Role: Engineering Manager
  • Journey: Left school at 17; now studying for the degree he needs to become a Head of Projects.
  • Impact: "Biffa's realised [they have great people] and is investing the time, effort, and money to keep these good people on board."

Click the subtitles icon to view subtitles, or download a Word doc transcript here.

Conclusion: Engineering a sustainable future

The partnership between Biffa and The Open University proves that flexible, accessible education is the key to solving industry-wide skills shortages. By investing in their current workforce, Biffa isn't just filling roles—they are building a legacy of innovation and leadership.

Let's solve your skills challenge together

The Open University has a dedicated team of employer and partnership managers who can work with you to upskill and reskill your teams via a range of courses and programmes.

Whether you are a new business or an established employer, our team has a wealth of sector expertise and experience and can link you with our wider academic community to help to solve your organisation's challenges.

Get in touch

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