At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn to manage materials, record weights, and support safe site operations.
- Company: Join a leading waste management company with a family-run vibe.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health cash plan, life assurance, and fun social events.
- Other info: Progress to permanent roles with ongoing support and development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in recycling with hands-on training and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic learners with attention to detail and basic Maths and English skills.
The predicted salary is between 18500 - 25000 £ per year.
Are you highly organised, accurate, and confident working with numbers? As a Metal Recycling Operative Apprentice in the Weighbridge Option B pathway, you’ll learn how to manage grade materials, record weights and movements correctly, complete essential paperwork, and support safe, compliant site operations. This role suits someone who takes pride in detail, enjoys structured tasks, and can communicate clearly with drivers, customers, and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
- Meet your manager and mentor and complete your site and weighbridge induction and attend a Company induction at Head office.
- Learn the site layout, traffic routes, safe systems of work, and customer check-in process.
- Complete any outstanding paperwork and get introduced to the weighbridge and site administration systems.
- In the first few weeks, depending on experience and progression, learn how to grade and book materials in and out, record weights accurately, and issue the correct tickets and paperwork.
- Build your understanding of metal types, grading, authorised materials, and the importance of precise data entry.
- Develop confidence in customer service, compliance checks, and communicating clearly with drivers and the wider site team.
Post-qualification
On successful completion, you’ll be ready to progress into a permanent Metal Recycling Operative or Weighbridge Operative role with ongoing support and development. You’ll achieve a Level 2 Metal Recycling General Operative apprenticeship with a weighbridge specialism. Your pay will increase in line with your progression, skills, and responsibilities and you will also be invited to undertake a WAMITAB qualification to enhance your waste management knowledge.
What we’re looking for
- Enthusiastic individual with desire to learn.
- Strong attention to detail, a careful approach to accuracy.
- Confidence working with numbers.
- You’ll be reliable, organised, comfortable using systems, and ready to learn how to process weighbridge information correctly while building your knowledge of recycling operations, compliance, and customer service.
- Basic Maths and English skills (GCSE level or equivalent) are required.
We require candidates to provide proof they have the right to work in the UK and are unable to proceed with applications for candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK.
What’s on Offer
- A competitive rate of pay.
- Life assurance (2 x Salary).
- Health cash plan to cover dental, optical and other health costs.
- Supportive team operating as part of a family run business with free company social events.
About Collard Group
The Collard Group is one of the largest privately-owned waste management companies in the South of England and a leading demolition specialist nationwide. Our 400-strong team operate from nine recycling facilities across five counties and contracts across the UK. With over 150 lorries our recycling operations cover Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey and we have the capacity to process over 1m tonnes of waste and recycled aggregates every year. We have grown year-on-year into a multi-disciplined provider of demolition, remediation, earthworks, waste management, recycling, virgin and recycled aggregates and ready-mix concrete. We continually invest for the future and typically spend over £5m each year on infrastructure, plant and equipment. We’re committed to training and developing and a great place to work for our people along with providing great products, services and solutions for our customers.
Metal Recycling Apprentice employer: R.Collard
At Collard Group, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and family-run business that values employee growth and development. As a Metal Recycling Apprentice, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive health plans, and the opportunity to gain valuable qualifications while working in a dynamic team environment. Our commitment to training ensures that you will not only learn essential skills but also have clear pathways for career progression within one of the largest waste management companies in the South of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Metal Recycling Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Collard Group. Understand their values, operations, and what makes them tick. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your skills align with the role of a Metal Recycling Apprentice. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll come across during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm! When you’re chatting with the interviewer, let your passion for recycling and learning shine through. Talk about why you want to work in this field and how you can contribute to the team. A positive attitude can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows that you appreciate the opportunity and are still keen on the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Metal Recycling Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm:Let your passion for learning shine through in your application. We want to see that you're excited about the Metal Recycling Apprentice role and eager to dive into the world of recycling operations.
Be Detail-Oriented:Since this role requires strong attention to detail, make sure to highlight any experiences where you've demonstrated accuracy and organisation. We love candidates who take pride in their work!
Communicate Clearly:Effective communication is key in this role. Use your application to showcase your ability to convey information clearly, whether it’s through your writing or examples of past interactions with customers or colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at R.Collard
✨Know Your Numbers
Since this role involves working with weights and grades, brush up on your basic maths skills. Be prepared to demonstrate your confidence with numbers during the interview. Practising some quick calculations can help you feel more at ease.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Metal Recycling Operative Apprentice. Research the Collard Group and their operations. Showing that you understand the importance of accurate data entry and compliance will impress your interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
As you'll be interacting with drivers and customers, practice clear communication. Think about how you would explain processes or answer questions. Being articulate and confident in your responses will showcase your customer service skills.
✨Show Enthusiasm to Learn
This position is all about growth and development. Express your eagerness to learn and adapt. Share examples of how you've tackled new challenges in the past, as this will highlight your commitment to personal and professional growth.
