Apprentice Recycling Operative (Non-Ferrous)

GLOBAL ARDOUR RECYCLING LIMITED

PRESTON (PR2 5BX)

Closes in 28 days (Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 2 November 2026

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Summary

This is a hands on role which includes assisting customers and suppliers with deliveries and weighing materials, supporting yard operations and working safely as part of the site team.

You will be part of a small team and you will be well trained and have the potential to be trained to operate plant and fork lift trucks.

Wage

£17,784 to £28,254.33, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Metal recycling general operative (level 2)
Hours
Shifts are between between 7am & 7pm. It is most likely the hours would be either 7:30am - 5.00pm or 8.00am - 5:30pm, plus Saturday when required by the business.

42 hours 45 minutes a week

Start date

Saturday 2 January 2027

Duration

1 year 3 months

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Working closely with the yard team and management, the Non-Ferrous Operative will communicate effectively, follow
instructions and help maintain high operational standards in all weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Duties

  • Sort, weigh and grade non-ferrous materials into specified categories under supervision, ensuring materials are
    correctly identified and recorded.
  • Assist with identifying any necessary weighbridge deductions based on the condition, quality and composition of
    materials.
  • Liaise professionally with customers, suppliers and members of the public, following company guidelines and
    customer service standards.
  • Assist with processing ferrous and non-ferrous materials safely and efficiently, developing knowledge of the
    identification, grading and purchasing procedures for ferrous, non-ferrous and precious metals.
  • Undertake manual handling activities, including lifting and moving materials, in accordance with safe working
    practices and training.
  • Complete required paperwork and operational records accurately, with guidance where necessary.
  • Carry out duties outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Compliance & Safety

  • Comply with all company health, safety and environmental policies and procedures.
  • Follow relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safe working practices.
  • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
  • Ensure materials and components are handled and stored safely.
  • Report hazards, accidents, near misses and unsafe working conditions promptly.
  • Maintain a safe working environment for themselves and others.

Equipment & Housekeeping

  • Use plant, machinery, tools and equipment safely and correctly.
  • Carry out basic equipment checks and maintenance tasks where appropriately trained.
  • Report any faults, defects or maintenance requirements immediately.
  • Maintain good housekeeping standards, ensuring work areas are kept clean, tidy and safe.
  • Assist with general site cleaning and maintenance duties as required.

Where you'll work

LONGRIDGE ROAD
RIBBLETON
PRESTON
PR2 5BX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SKILLCERT LIMITED

Training course

Metal recycling general operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • The identification of H&S/Environmental issues and the ability to respond accordingly.
  • The identification of metal grades, authorised/unauthorised wastes, hazardous/non-hazardous waste, their quality validation and commercial viability.
  • The capability to correctly identify, sort and store materials in line with operating procedures, risk assessment and legislation, e.g. 1992 Manual Handling Regulations.
  • The ability to maintain good housekeeping procedures, including machine and equipment care, alongside safely operating that machinery and equipment. Examples of fixed and mobile plant include: baler, shear and forklift truck.
  • The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, engage important customers and respond to everyday site visitors. This includes the aptitude to identify and communicate potential for improvement.
  • The ability to carry out safe loading and unloading of differing transportation types.
  • Problem solve – take action to meet organisational procedures and policies.
  • Prioritise working tasks and challenges, such as the appropriate process for loading and unloading.
  • Complete the process of preparing ELV’s for depollution in accordance with operating procedures, risk assessments and current legislation.
  • Depollute an ELV in accordance with the risk assessment, operating procedures and current legislation e.g. End of Life Vehicles Directive (as amended)
  • Demonstrate the appropriate regard for, and handling procedures of, all hazardous components in an ELV.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how best to deal with unforeseen incidents following recognised health and safety procedures.
  • Follow weighbridge operational processes ensuring compliance with relevant site-specific procedures and legislative requirements e.g. SMDA (as amended), site permit and allowed waste types, risk assessments and safe working procedures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to calibrate and maintain the weighbridge machinery.
  • Show aptitude when it comes to identifying different metals, as well as the ability to assess, validate and make a commercial decision on a variety of different loads.
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely maintain traffic management procedures.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the market value of different metals.
  • Show how to use the best available techniques to identify any given metal.
  • Identify the composition of different materials using available equipment, considering the importance of site-based equipment calibration, interpreting results, standards and consistency of analysis and sources of error in the analytical process.
  • Demonstrate the ability to generate appropriate records and accurate labelling, and the understanding when samples need to be sent away for appropriate further analysis.
  • Visually inspect WEEE to identify if it is viable for re-use or repair by a technically competent person.
  • Identify the hazardous components in various types of WEEE e.g. CRT or FPD
  • Demonstrate how best to safely dismantle various types of WEEE considering such aspects as: the de- construction of the unit, selecting the most appropriate tools and safe separation of hazardous and non-hazardous materials
  • Demonstrate the correct storage, handling and segregation of WEEE-derived materials in accordance with operating procedures, risk assessments, COSHH and relevant legislation.

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4-9)
  • Maths (grade 4-9)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness

About this employer

At Global Ardour Recycling, our mission is to lead the way in innovative recycling practices that promote sustainability and protect our environment for future generations. Our vision is to transform waste into valuable resources through cutting-edge technology and industry best practices.

We are committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing landfill waste, conserving natural resources, and minimising our ecological footprint. Our innovative recycling solutions not only contribute to a cleaner planet but also support local communities by creating jobs and fostering environmental awareness.

 

Creating Positive Social Impact.
We deeply value our role in the communities we serve. Our social enterprise roots mean we are committed to creating positive social impact.

We support local initiatives, provide educational programmes, and strive to make a difference in our communities.

https://globalardour.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

For the right candidate and completion of the apprenticeship there maybe opportunity to develop into a Supervisor or Team Leader.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SKILLCERT LIMITED

Adam Black

Adam.Black@skillcert.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000061747.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Monday 30 November 2026 at 11:59pm)