A training centre costing £200,000 has been opened at the headquarters of Greater Manchester Waste Ltd in Higher Swan Lane, Bolton. Cllr Richard Fletcher from Bury, the chairman, unveiled a plaque at a ceremony this week. The company, which is the privatised arm of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, is owned by the districts in Greater Manchester, including Bolton.

It is responsible for dealing with 1.2 million tonnes of waste a year.

The new centre will be used for training both employees and outside candidates.

It is one of about 30 training and assessment centres being established throughout the country following changes in environmental law which will prevent unqualifed people setting themselves up in business as waste disposal experts.

The new law makes managers of sites register with the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB) and then gives them until August 9, 1999 to qualify for a Certificate of Technical Competence.

After that date only those holding the certificate will be allowed to continue in business. About 7,000 people have registered so far and this could double over the next five years.

Guests at the Bolton ceremony were welcomed by the managing director, Stephen Jenkinson, who outlined the company's commitment to Investors in People and improved skill levels.

"I am pleased to say that we fully intend to continue to invest in our most valuable asset - our employees," he said.

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