EDT and Viridor Extend Partnership to Power Scotland’s Future STEM Talent

We are pleased to share that we have renewed our longstanding partnership with Viridor for its thirteenth consecutive year, reinforcing a powerful shared commitment to nurturing Scotland’s future STEM talent.

Viridor is one of the UK's leading resource recovery and waste management companies, who work with local authorities across Scotland. Viridor’s facilities are integral to the Scottish Government’s ambitions to deliver a zero waste, circular economy which encourages waste reduction, boosts recycling, and recovers vital low carbon energy from any non-recycled waste that remains.

The new two-year contract will allow us to deliver our flagship Industrial Cadets Bronze Project in schools across Glasgow, South Lanarkshire and the Clyde Valley. The Industrial Cadets Bronze Project introduces students to the exciting and rewarding careers available in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM), helping them build key skills that support their future pathways.

Through the renewed partnership, hundreds of pupils will take part in a 20-hour STEM challenge focused on themes such as sustainability, engineering, and the circular economy. Teams of up to six pupils will research, design and present their projects to panels of expert judges from industry and education at a final assessment and graduation event in the spring.

All participating pupils will achieve Industrial Cadets Bronze accreditation, a nationally recognised award that strengthens young people’s CVs and demonstrates valuable workplace skills. Many pupils will also experience an exciting behind-the-scenes visit to a Viridor site, offering a unique insight into the waste and resource management journey in their local area.

Steven Don, Head of Local Authority Contracts Scotland for Viridor, said: “Viridor is delighted to be part of a partnership which offers young people across Glasgow, Clyde Valley and South Lanarkshire the opportunity to work on such an exciting project. The development of key skills and knowledge adds to the value of this important environmental project.”

Julie Feest, CEO of EDT and Industrial Cadets, commented: “We are very proud of our partnership with Viridor, which demonstrates the real impact that long-term collaboration can have on young people across Scotland. Together, were main committed to empowering young people with the skills, confidence and inspiration to thrive in Scotland’s future STEM workforce.”