Use apprenticeship scheme or lose it, English recyclers warned

British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) is urging metal recyclers to support a scheme for apprentices which is set to be dropped because of a lack of applicants.

The Metal Recycling General Operative (MRGO) apprenticeship in Englandgives employees the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work safely and effectively within a modern metals recycling operation. It is only recycling-specific apprenticeship.

Apprentices develop an understanding of metals recycling processes, site administration, risk assessment, environmental responsibilities and the legislation governing the industry.

They also gain practical experience operating both specialist and general plant and equipment, including forklift trucks, shears and cable strippers. Health and safety is embedded throughout the programme, ensuring apprentices can handle and process materials safely while contributing effectively as part of a team.

Minimum sign-up

However, the regulatory body Skills England has announced its intention to drop the MRGO due to low uptake. To secure its future, the apprenticeship needs a minimum cohort of 25 learners.

‘You do not need to be a BMRA member to benefit from this apprenticeship,’ stresses Antonia Grey, the association’s lead on apprenticeships. ‘The MRGO is open to all metal recycling businesses in England and provides a highly cost-effective route to developing competent, confident employees who can work independently within a recycling yard.’

‘Combined with the five specialist pathways, it offers valuable training opportunities for every type of metal recycling operation. The future of the MRGO apprenticeship depends on industry support, and we are asking metal recyclers to act now and help secure the future of the metalsrecycling industry’s only dedicated apprenticeship programme.”

Subsidised scheme

For SMEs in particular, the financial benefits are substantial. Employers with annual payrolls above £3 million (EUR 3.5 million) contribute to an apprenticeship levy, while those below the threshold do not. Instead, the Government funds 95% of training costs, leaving employers to contribute just 5%.

Apprentices must receive at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices, currently £8 per hour for those aged 19 or over in their first year.

Coincidentally, the impending cut comes as greater use of apprenticeships is being promoted by the new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as an important policy for his Government.