BMRA is calling on metal recyclers across England to help save the Metal Recycling General Operative (MRGO) apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is not exclusive to BMRA members. It is available to all metals recycling businesses.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) is urging metal recyclers to support the Metal Recycling General Operative (MRGO) apprenticeship after Skills England announced its intention to retire the standard due to low uptake.

To secure its future, the apprenticeship needs a minimum cohort of 25 learners. Without sufficient employer commitment, the sector risks losing its only recycling-specific apprenticeship.

The MRGO apprenticeship is designed to provide employees with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work safely and effectively within a modern metals recycling operation. 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.

Five specialist pathways

In addition to the core programme, apprentices can specialise in one of five areas:

  • End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV)
  • Weighbridge Operations
  • Material Handling (Specialist Equipment)
  • Material Classification
  • Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

A cost-effective recruitment solution

With recruitment and retention remaining significant challenges for many metal recycling companies, apprenticeships provide an affordable and effective way to develop skilled employees.

For SMEs in particular, the financial benefits are substantial. While employers with annual payrolls above £3 million contribute to the Apprenticeship Levy, those below this threshold do not. Instead, the Government funds 95% of apprenticeship training costs, leaving employers to contribute just 5%.

For the MRGO apprenticeship, this means a SME can train a fully qualified operative for as little as £450.

Employers may choose to pay apprentices above the minimum rate; however, apprentices must receive at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices. Apprentices aged 19 or over in their first year are currently entitled to the apprentice rate of £8 per hour, after which they must receive the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage applicable to their age.

Open to all metal recyclers

"It is important to stress that you do not need to be a BMRA member to benefit from this apprenticeship," said Antonia Grey, BMRA'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 metals recycling industry's only dedicated apprenticeship programme."

If you would like more information, or wish to enrol one or more employees, please contact Antonia Grey at: [email protected]

www.recyclemetals.org/apprenticeships