Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

More opportunities than many believe are available in the waste management industry. The industry offers employment opportunities ranging from jobs requiring a few days training and lots of hard work, to those requiring years of post-secondary training and lots of hard work.

Entrepreneurs have a number of options in the industry. Whether it's buying a truck and hauling people's garbage to the dump, or finding a market for recycled products, people can turn good ideas into good jobs.

For those not presently considering the educational route to employment in the waste management industry, training in first aid, WHMIS and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) can give you a good foot in the door. Look in the Yellow Pages under Training for companies offering these courses.

Those who want to earn while they learn can register with Aurora Staffing Ltd. for an asbestos removal training program. Participants receive free training in asbestos removal, but must first sign a contract guaranteeing they'll work for 300 hours with Aurora. Participants are paid $10 while completing the program and can stay on with Aurora after the program, or move elsewhere after their commitment is complete. People 18 and over are preferred. For more information call Brad at 228-3034, or fax resumes to 228-2061.

An Environmental Technology Certificate with a specialization in waste management is available from Mount Royal College for those working in the industry, or with work experience in that area. A related environmental diploma program has been suspended for fall 2000.

A two-year Chemical Technology diploma is available from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) offering an in-depth look at hazardous wastes and waste management regulations.

Olds College offers a number of land-related programs with some geared to soil and water conservation, and others with land management as related to agricultural or industrial development.

A two-year Biological Sciences Technology program, with a speciality in environmental sciences with applications to waste management is offered at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) as is a Chemical Technology diploma.

Lakeland College in Vermilion offers two, two-year diploma programs in environmental studies, as well as an applied post-diploma degree, but no direct ties to waste management.

The University of Calgary offers a Master of Environmental Design degree where students can focus their studies on waste management, reclamation and pollution control.

Numerous other post-secondary institutions in Alberta offer science and environment related degrees, visit our section on education and training for more information.