Sustainable Resource Management
The Waste-Management industry is developing rapidly as populations grow and governments and businesses look for alternatives to landfill for political, social, economic and environmental reasons.
The use of technology has become fundamental to the industry. There are many exciting changes happening and with this apprenticeship you could become involved.
Waste management includes the collection, transport, treatment, disposal and recycling of waste, the supervision of these operations and the after-care of disposal sites. Core areas within the industry are: waste collection and transport; transfer stations and other Household Waste Recycling Centres; generating energy from waste (including thermal recovery processes and anaerobic digestion); recycling, processing and specialist operations; and landfill.
As an apprentice you would train ‘on the job’ learning all about different aspects of the waste management industry. You could undertake roles in the collection, transport, treatment and final management of waste and recyclables at both operator and supervisory levels. Apprentices usually train for about 20–24 months (Intermediate Level) or 30–36 months (Advanced Level).
Your apprenticeship might be with a local authority, a large private employer, a small to medium-sized enterprise (these often offer specialist services), or even within the sector of community and voluntary organisations.
Approximately 140,000 people are employed in the UK Waste-Management and Recycling industry. There are many opportunities for career progression and supervisors often move to other areas of the industry or become managers. Further qualifications are also available.
Job Roles
Intermediate Level Apprenticeship
- Manual/Mechanical Street Cleanser
- Recyclables Collection Driver
- Waste Collection Driver
- Refuse Collection Loader
- Weighbridge Operative
- Transfer Station Operative
- Compost Operative
- Materials Recycling Facility Operative (Picker/Sorter)/Recyling Operative (Reception & Segregation/ Processing) Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Operative
- Recyling Operative (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment - WEEE)
- Recyclables Collection Loader
Advanced Level Apprenticeship
- Recycling/Refuse Collection Supervisor (Team Leader)
- Transfer Station Supervisor
- Treatment (Physical/Chemical/ Thermal) Supervisor
- Biological Treatment (In Vessel Composting/Open Windrow/Anaerobic Digestion) Supervisor
- Materials Recycling Facility (MRF)/Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) Supervisor
- Landfill Supervisor
- Sustainability Officer
Last Updated: 12/04/2012
