The TV appearance that became a job interview: How one young job seeker landed their new role

What started as a story about the often-frustrating job market, quickly turned into a real-life success story, proving that sometimes opportunity arrives when you least expect it.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast to discuss the challenges young people face when trying to enter the workforce, Alex Batty shared his experiences of submitting countless applications and attending interviews without success.

Alex was being interviewed as one of the UK’s 1 million NEETs (young people not in employment, education or training) and the interview struck a chord with viewers across the region, including Dan Carolan, the contract director for SUEZ UK’s operations in Greater Manchester, where they deliver resource management services to the region, on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

For Dan, that Friday morning started off like most others, grabbing a quick coffee in the kitchen while watching TV, before leaving for work. However, as Dan watched Alex articulate his personal struggles and frustrations as a NEET, and how willing he was to work hard if given the opportunity, he realised he was staring at the very thing he’d been looking for.

Dan Carolan, Contract Manager at SUEZ, said: "I remember seeing a young person who had clearly lost faith in the system yet still seemed so passionate and determined to find a solution. Alex explained that he had recently moved into a new home with his girlfriend and was soon to become a dad for the first time. He wasn’t seeking sympathy, he simply needed someone to recognise what he had to offer and give him a chance – I knew I had to reach out and find Alex. There are so many varied roles and career paths within SUEZ and the wider resource management industry, so I was confident we could find him the right opportunity.”

Thanks to the BBC, Dan managed to contact Alex and invite him to his local SUEZ site for a chat and introduction to what SUEZ do. The meeting went well, ultimately leading to a successful interview and job offer. Alex is now in his third month working as a recycling operative for SUEZ at his local Household Wate Recycling Centre (HWRC) and has quickly become a valued member of the organisation, bringing enthusiasm, fresh ideas and plenty of determination.

Alex Batty, HWRC Operative at SUEZ, said: “One minute I was being interviewed on about how difficult it was to find a job. The next, I was being offered the opportunity to meet a potential employer and show them I could do one of theirs. I’d never really thought about the waste industry, but I can already see where my career could go. There are loads of opportunities for me to develop. I’m going to do all the training I can in order to learn and progress.”

Dan added: “In the few months we have had with Alex, he has been superb. He has converted the positive attitude he had on the TV screen straight into his new role. Unfortunately, there are still some outdated misconceptions about our industry, but waste is now rightly recognised as a valuable resource which, if managed properly, can help build a more circular economy, minimise environmental impact, and deliver social benefits to local communities. We employ a whole new set of skilled green jobs, from scientists and engineers to upholsterers and bike mechanics, and that’s just within Greater Manchester. SUEZ has so many rewarding careers and we are always on the lookout for the next Alex."

“SUEZ offers a variety of career options for young people. Whether it’s through entry level roles, T-levels, apprenticeships or our graduate programme. I’m sure we have a path for almost everyone. It’s no secret that the job market is tough right now, so it’s important for businesses like SUEZ to ensure those opportunities are there.”