Newry recycling company’s apprenticeship has ‘nurtured future leaders’ since 2018
Re-Gen has welcomed students to its headquarters in Newry for another consecutive year as part of its apprenticeship programme.
Launched in 2018, the Re-Gen Academy has supported 35 students to date.
Not only does the Newry firm offer local young people structured, practical learning opportunities in various fields, it also supports Northern Ireland in addressing the growing green skills gap by providing roles in recycling which are crucial for the development of a successful circular economy.
As one of Europe’s leading recycling companies, Re-Gen offers apprenticeships across a range of STEM disciplines, including Heavy Vehicle Maintenance, Welding & Fabrication, Mechatronics, Cloud Computing and Digital Construction, alongside business functions such as Accounting and Marketing.
Commercial Director of Re-Gen, Celine Doherty, explained that the Re-Gen Academy demonstrates the family-led company’s ongoing commitment to Newry, and Northern Ireland.
She said: “Our Academy was launched as part of our long-term commitment to developing skilled talent across the region. Our approach combines on-the-job learning with formal education, tailored support from mentors, and career progression.
“The Re-Gen Academy has become a central part of how we grow our teams, offering apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships across a wide range of roles.”
Re-Gen works closely with the Southern Regional College, Ulster University, and Queen’s University Belfast to ensure its programmes meet industry standards. Following completion of an initial apprenticeship, young learners are offered the opportunity of further academic advancement, including support for top-up degrees.
Katerina Poutsi is a student at Southern Regional College and started at Re-Gen as a Communications Assistant, before being promoted to Marketing Co-ordinator.
She is now enhancing her studies through the Re-Gen Academy having completed a Level 5 Apprenticeship (Foundation Degree) in Digital Marketing, Advertising & Communications (DMAC), and is now advancing through the top-up DMAC course toward a bachelor’s degree in 2028.
Katerina said: “Since day one, I’ve had a clear training plan, support from a dedicated mentor and the wider team.
“I’ve gained invaluable insight into the real world of working which I can see is establishing my employability for when I graduate. Re-Gen is a fast-moving environment, but I see it as a positive that I’ve had the chance to experience working at one of Europe’s leading recycling companies.”
Aidan McCracken completed his ATI Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Accountancy in 2021 and, with Re-Gen’s support over five years, went on to successfully achieve Chartered status with Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2026.
Re-Gen continues to support Aidan as he progresses into the next stage of his career, reflecting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing talent beyond apprenticeship level and enabling long-term professional advancement.
The success of the Re-Gen Academy can be demonstrated by the 95 per cent retention rate of its students.
In March 2026, Re-Gen further demonstrated its commitment to nurturing local talent by hosting a ‘speedy hiring’ event, attracting over 100 potential apprentices from the surrounding area.
The strong turnout reflects the company’s deep connection with the local community, reinforces its reputation as a leading employer, and has helped Re-Gen to build a robust pipeline of future talent.
Re-Gen’s revenue has increased from £30m to circa £100m over the last five years, and today it employs over 400 people across its two sites.
It is now the largest recycling company in Northern Ireland. Last year, Deloitte announced the business as one of its Best Managed Companies awarding it a coveted Gold Award for its resilience, innovation, and team culture.
Alongside supporting its apprentices, the company is committed to good causes and has donated £1 million to local charities to date including £130,000 in 2025. These charities range from Newry based charities such as Woman’s Aid, national organisations such as the Air Ambulance and internationally such as Fields of Life.
This year, Re-Gen has supported a team from Southern Regional College to compete in the UK leg of STEM Racing – a classroom competition endorsed by Formula 1. It runs in 60 countries and blends education and excitement by challenging students to apply STEM theory in designing, making and racing their own miniature racing car.
The Southern Regional College team achieved outstanding success at the STEM Racing Car UK Finals, securing the Northern Ireland Champions National Cup and the opportunity to compete on the global stage this October at the Aramco STEM World Finals in Singapore.
For more information on Re-Gen’s ongoing community commitments and its Academy, visit regenwaste.com