Waste Management introduces new driver training center

Waste Management, Houston, introduced its second driver and technician training center in Glendale, Arizona, on June 21. According to the company, the Arizona Training Center, which complements its first center built in Fort Myers, Florida, extends the Waste Management’s commitment to providing centralized training for drivers and technicians across North America.

The Waste Management Arizona Training Center is located on a 13-acre property and includes a 30,000 square-foot maintenance shop, a 10-acre driver training course, classrooms, computer labs and technician workstations to simulate experiences at Waste Management facilities.

As part of the onboarding process, drivers and technicians attend a two-week program led by Waste Management trainers designed to enhance their capabilities and ensure they are engaged, customer-centric and safe out on the road. The program builds on the foundation of Waste Management’s Mission to Zero (M2Z) safety initiative, which aims to eliminate unsafe actions, behaviors and conditions on the job. During the training, Waste Management also provides nearby housing and catered meals to welcome participants into company.  

“Waste Management’s commitment to putting our people first is not just a catchphrase or slogan—we are focused on this as evidenced by our continued investment in the growth and development of our employees,” Tamla Oates-Forney, chief human resources officer at Waste Management, says. “We are differentiating ourselves with the frontline onboarding experience [we offer] through our world-class driver and technician training centers.”

According to Waste Management, the Arizona Training Center “is a leading example of the company’s continued investment in a ‘safety- and people-first’ culture.” During the two-week training and development experience, drivers learn safety rules, procedures, vehicle inspections, safe lifting and Department of Transportation-required curriculum that provides scenarios reflective of day-to-day operations. Trainees spend their first week in the classroom learning, and by week two, transition to simulated driving courses. Technicians learn the basics of hydraulics, electrical, preventative maintenance practices and safety procedures through two weeks of integrated classroom and hands-on learning at workstations.

At the end of the two-week training course, drivers and technicians receive a comprehensive evaluation of performance prior to returning to their respective locations for additional on-the-job training programs.

Waste Management training centers help address the industry challenge of driver and fleet technician new-hire turnover, while also improving retention. The standardized training translates to better employee performance and a longer career with Waste Management, according to the company. This unique onboarding program also helps Waste Management recruit critical driver and technician roles.

The Arizona Training Center began welcoming Waste Management drivers in late April and technicians in early June. At full capacity, the center expects to train and develop 2,500 drivers and 750 technicians per year.