CHOOSE
A DIFFERENT TERRITORY
While many people would think twice about swapping a life of adrenaline-fueled motorcycle racing for the twists and turns of vehicle recycling, for Ivan Zziwa, the move from on a bike to under a bonnet was a natural one.
Since joining the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) team in Edmonton as an Operative, Ivan Zziwa has quickly progressed to his current role as ELV Area Lead for London where he is responsible for overseeing the processing and handling of ferrous metals.
Ivan’s hands-on experience, passion for working with cars, and positive attitude has enabled him to successfully take on a variety of different roles and grow his skillset:
“I’m fortunate to have worked in various auto department roles since joining, including crane driver, weighbridge operator, and small scales operative. EMR has been great in supporting my development. When I started, I had a standard driving licence, and a NVQ in motor mechanics. I’ve been given the opportunity to gain additional qualifications, like a forklift licence and a 360-crane licence. These qualifications can be quite costly if you pursue them on your own, so I really appreciate that.”
The knowledge and insight that Ivan has developed during his time in the ELV team, has greatly enhanced his enjoyment and confidence in the role:
“I really enjoy the recycling process from start to finish. It’s satisfying to have gained an understanding of a wide range of materials, and I take pride in identifying them when they come in. I’ve learned a lot about metals, and it’s a great feeling to be confident in what I do!”
Ivan would encourage anyone who enjoys working with vehicles to consider a career with the ELV team:
“If you have a mechanical background, and like tinkering with engines, you would do well in the ELV team! You don’t need to be a qualified mechanic, but it’s important to be comfortable with tools, spanners, and the hands-on nature of the job. Every day is different, and you get to work on a variety of vehicles, removing parts that you might not have worked with before. It’s so satisfying to be an integral part of the recycling process; taking battered vehicles, and turning them into shredded metal, which is then used to make new cars.”
As EMR is firmly focused on driving global recycling innovation, Ivan is proud and excited to be part of the business:
“EMR has recently opened a new depot in Birmingham where they process and resell electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This is the way forward; in the next 10 to 20 years, electric vehicles are expected to overtake combustion engines. EMR has recognised this shift early and is preparing for it, so the sky’s the limit for the future!”
As Ivan looks to continue to further his career in the months and years ahead, he believes that EMR has the right opportunities to help him, and others, develop: “I’ve just moved into a new role, and I’m excited to see where that takes me. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow with EMR and contributing to the company’s success. I’m also excited about EMR’s future, especially with the shift towards processing EV batteries and embracing new technologies. There’s a lot of potential for growth, and it’s a really great time to be part of the team!”
Read about other people who make EMR a great place to work, learn about our culture and values, or see our latest vacancies.
