Skip to main content

Recycled metals worker apprenticeships

Environment and land | Home services

Recycled metals worker apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • Apprenticeship
    You can start by doing a metal recycling operative Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent.


    Direct Application
    You do not need any particular qualifications to apply for jobs although GCSEs in English and maths can be useful. Experience in metal working, operating a crane or forklift truck, or order picking on a production line may give you an advantage. 

    Recycled metals worker apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • the ability to operate and control equipment 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
    • the ability to work well with your hands
    • knowledge of recycling processes
    • observation and recording skills 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need a large goods vehicle (LGV) licence if your job involves driving a lorry to collect metal waste.

    Recycled metals worker apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could:

    • weigh and record metal collections 
    • grade and sort metal, by hand or machine 
    • shred scrap metal into pieces using hydraulic shears and cutters 
    • clean scrap metal 
    • use machines to crush the scrap into bales
    • operate lift trucks or cranes to stack or load sorted metal 
    • drive lorries to collect or deliver recycled metal
    Working environment
    You could work at a waste recycling site. Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time. You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

    Career path and progression - Recycled metals worker apprenticeships

    You could become a shift supervisor or manager after getting experience. You could also become self-employed and start your own recycling business.

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs