Metal recycling general operative
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Metal recycling general operatives work in scrap metal yards and recycling facilities, sorting, processing, and preparing ferrous and non-ferrous metals for recycling and onward sale. Apprentices learn to identify and grade metals, operate processing plant, and meet environmental and waste-carrier compliance. The role supports the circular economy and can lead to supervisory positions within the recycling industry.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Identifying and grading different metals and alloys
Safe operation of shredders, balers, and processing plant
Environmental permits and duty of care for metal recycling
Safe handling of hazardous materials such as batteries and oils
Weighing, recording, and stock management processes
Health and safety in a recycling yard environment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Sort incoming scrap metal by type, grade, and contamination
Operate machinery such as shredders, cranes, and balers
Check and record weights of metals coming in and going out
Remove hazardous items such as batteries and gas bottles before processing
Segregate ferrous and non-ferrous grades for onward sale
Complete waste transfer notes and material records correctly
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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