This Level 2 Metal Recycling General Operative programme is built to equip learners with essential KSBs (knowledge, skills and behaviours) for working safely and effectively across a metal recycling site, from identifying and grading metals to operating plant and equipment.

During this course apprentices will learn, through a mixture of classroom and practical experience:

Identify different metals, sort and separate them into grades and understand the commercial impact grading has on the business.
Work in line with environmental policy, health and safety procedures and legislation, including the Scrap Metal Dealers Act.
Safely handle, load and unload materials and operate industry-specific plant and equipment, such as a forklift truck, shear and cable strippers.
Specialise in one area: end-of-life vehicles, weighbridge operation, material handling, material classification or WEEE.

Level 2 Metal Recycling General Operative-photo

The Level 2 Metal Recycling General Operative

The Level 2 Metal Recycling General Operative Apprenticeship develops the skills needed to work confidently in a metal recycling yard. Apprentices learn to identify and grade materials, handle hazardous and non-hazardous waste correctly, work safely with plant and machinery and keep accurate records, while understanding how everyday decisions affect the commercial success of the business. Combining practical workplace application with industry best practice, learners also build communication, problem solving and teamwork skills, and choose one specialist option. By the end of the apprenticeship, they are equipped to contribute to a safe, compliant and efficient recycling operation.

Who is the programme for?

This apprenticeship is ideal for people who enjoy practical, varied work and want a career in the metal recycling sector. It is well suited to new entrants as well as existing yard and site staff who handle, sort, process or dispatch materials, including weighbridge operators, end-of-life vehicle operatives, material handlers, material classifiers and WEEE operatives. Whether you work for a large multinational or a family-run independent, this programme provides the knowledge, safety awareness and practical skills to make a measurable impact on site.

About the course

Duration: 12 months (not including EPA)

Sessions: 19

Delivery Method: Online + Face-To-Face

Funding: Levy Funded (£9,000)

Minimum Off The Job Hours: 278

Apprenticeship course type: Engineering & Manufacturing

What you will learn

Session 1: Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG)
Session 2: Apprenticeship launch & enrolment
Session 3: Health and Safety
Session 4: Environmental & Metals
Session 5: Industry Standards and Compliance
Session 6: Workplace Organisation (5S) and Visual Management
Session 7: Problem Solving & Business Case Projects
Session 8: Effective Communication & Commercial Practices
Sessions 9-10: Business Case Project Workshop
Session 11: Gateway 1
Sessions 12-14: Practical Assessment in the Workplace (Mock Observations)
Session 15: Final Gateway Review
Session 16: EPA Process

Coaching and support – 3 sessions throughout the course

And functional skills workshops – if required

Assessment Methods

Multiple-choice test:

The knowledge requirements within the occupational standard will be assessed using a series of multiple-choice questions. It is expected that the multiple-choice test will be delivered on the employer’s premises. However, it may also be delivered online. The choices will be set at level 2 to be appropriate to assess learners against the occupational standard’s requirements.

Professional discussion:

The professional discussion is a structured discussion between the independent end-point assessor and the apprentice. The employer will not be present. The professional discussion will cover the criteria as outlined in the occupational standard as well as any knowledge criteria that has not been met in the knowledge test. The discussion will take the format of a question and answer session with the apprentice required to refer to specified learning outcomes. The EPAO will develop a list of questions based on the learning outcomes listed in appendix 1. Note: At no point can the assessor lead the discussion.

Observation or simulation:

The EPAO will set out the skills observation/simulation checklists and will arrange a maximum of three visits throughout the assessment period until such a time that all checkpoints have been assessed. These will follow professional discussions.

How your Business Benefits

Accurate Grading, Better Returns

The value in metal recycling comes from identifying the right grade. Apprentices learn to classify materials correctly, helping to protect your margins.

Compliance Built In

Training covers the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, environmental procedures, waste handling and site safety, supporting a compliant operation.

Safer Yards

Safe systems of work, risk assessments, COSHH and incident reporting are core parts of the standard, helping keep people and plant protected.

Specialist Skills Where You Need Them

Choose from five options, including end-of-life vehicles, weighbridge, material handling, material classification and WEEE, to match your site.

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