Extra MSA empowers young people
with first-ever
zero waste challenge at Beaconsfield

An innovative engagement challenge was piloted at Beaconsfield Services (M40, J2) this week, designed to give young people first-hand experience and insights into the roles and skills required to deliver a zero-waste economy.

Developed and delivered by Extra MSA in collaboration with social value specialist Ahead Partnership, the challenge offered 30 Year 8 students from Cressex Community School the opportunity to boost their knowledge around zero-waste by participating in a range of bespoke activities and improving their wider employability skills.

Facilitated by volunteers from Extra MSA, Reconomy and Welcome Break, students had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour around the popular service stop, and see Extra’s innovative approach to waste management in action. Following a sustainable business workshop, participants were tasked with reimagining new measures for maximising the reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste on site, before pitching their solutions to a panel of industry experts from Extra, Reconomy and Welcome Break’s ESG team.

Extra MSA’s target remains to achieve 100% in the zero-waste index by recycling or reusing 75% of operational waste by 2030 and diverting all waste from landfill. To do so, it has implemented measures to comply with the government’s simpler recycling guidance, including introducing waste segregation and bespoke recycling schemes.

Beyond supporting the professional and personal development of local young people, the programme aims to provide them with the confidence and understanding to tackle sustainability challenges, as well as connecting them with inspirational mentors working in the sector.

The initiative aligns with Extra’s ambitions to achieve 100% in the Zero Waste Index across its estate by 2030. It also complements the wider work of Ahead Partnership and Extra MSA, who have collaborated since 2018 to engage hundreds of young people on everything from careers and skills in construction, to biodiversity and EV charging.

It comes as recent DEFRA research found that 86% of young people aged 8-15 said they want to do more to protect the environment, but more than half of those aged 15-18 weren’t sure about the skills or qualifications needed to get a green job.

The Zero Waste Challenge aims to bridge this gap by empowering young people to turn environmental ambition into practical action. It supports them to apply STEM skills to business scenarios and build the creativity and confidence needed to become future sustainability leaders.

Megan Lipp, Head of Growth at Ahead Partnership, said:

“It’s so important to equip young people with insights and knowledge that spark their enthusiasm around sustainability to unlock rewarding future careers that benefit individuals and the environment to support inclusive growth. It’s fantastic to see the commitment that Extra MSA continues to demonstrate by creating stronger pathways into green careers for young people from all backgrounds.

“We’ve seen incredible progress amongst the participating students, growing in their understanding of zero waste and its implications on sustainability, while also building their wider employability and interpersonal skills such as confidence and communication. It’s inspiring to see the next generation translating awareness into action, taking their first steps toward becoming the sustainability leaders of the future.”