Recycled metals worker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do a Metal Recycling General Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

This takes a minimum of one year to complete.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

DirectApplication

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 forklift truck or crane, or order picking on a production line, may be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to operate and control equipment
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• knowledge of recycling processes
• 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
• observation and recording skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• knowledge of public safety and security
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• thinking and reasoning skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• the ability to read English

What you'll do:

Recycled metals workers grade, sort, clean and bale scrap metal for recycling.

As a recycled metals worker, you could:

• weigh and record scrap metal collections
• grade and sort metal, by hand or machine
• shred scrap metal into pieces using hydraulic shears and cutters
• use machines to crush the scrap into bales
• operate a forklift truck or crane to stack and load sorted metal
• drive lorries to collect or deliver recycled material

Green job

As a recycled metals worker, you'll remove materials to go for recycling from scrapped vehicles, household appliances and electrical and electronic waste. You'll also dispose of pollutants safely. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Location : You could work at a waste recycling site.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £24,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a supervisor or manager of a recycling site.

You could also be self-employed and start your own recycling business.