An apprenticeship scheme for the metals recycling sector was today formally launched with the message that it was an ‘essential development’ for the industry.
The importance of the scheme, which has been developed under the auspices of the British Metals Recycling Association, was spelt out by Andrew Brady, chief operating officer of European Metal Recycling at the launch event held at the company’s Willesden site in London.
Mr Brady said: “The future depends on the next generation and this apprenticeship scheme very much focuses on these people”.
He told apprentices present from across the sector that “you will get recognised through the industry” and underlined that “the operative role is very important”.
The apprentices at the launch at EMR’s Willesden site with (back row) third from right Sir Gerry Berragan and on his right, the Earl of Clancarty
‘Two years’
Mr Brady’s comments were endorsed by Susie Burrage, president of the BMRA, who said that the launch of the scheme “is very satisfying for the BMRA. It was made possible by the apprenticeship levy and is the result of two years’ hard work by the working group.
“With five options and a written occupational standard, we are now able to show an attractive career path for those joining the sector.
“The levy also affords small and medium sized businesses the opportunity to train their employees as well as the larger companies. It is the industry being supportive from the ground up.”
(l-r) Sir Gerry Berragan hearing about the metals recycling sector from BMRA president Susie Burrage
Congratulations
Sir Gerry Berragan, chief executive of the Institute for Apprenticeships, congratulated “the metals recycling industry as a whole”, adding, “I know it’s not been easy to set this up.
And, he noted that it was good to see “a new apprenticeship had been created where there hasn’t been one before. Meeting the skills gap can be helped with apprentices and that’s where we are today.”
MRGO
The Metal Recycling General Operative (MRGO) is a level 2 apprenticeship open to employees of any age and is a 12-18-month assessment covering a number of industry areas that reflect the complexities faced by those working in metals recycling.
The pilot phase has apprentices from ELG, EMR, Recycled Products, Recycling Lives, S. Sackers, S. Norton and Sims Metal Management.
Topics
Apprentices will learn about the many areas of knowledge needed to fulfil an operative role in a metal recycling yard, including: environmental policy and procedures such as fire prevention plans; how to work in accordance with current legislation, including the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013; how to accept hazardous/non-hazardous materials; and, industry-specific health and safety procedures such as Safe Systems of Work and Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. Other skills including mathematics and English language are also included.
The post Metals recyclers launch apprenticeship scheme appeared first on letsrecycle.com.
Source: letsrecycle.com Metal
