The trade association warned that the Metals Recycling General Operative (MRGO) apprenticeship requires a minimum cohort of 25 learners to remain viable, however Skills England plans to retire the standard because of low uptake.
Without sufficient employer commitment, the sector could risk losing its only recycling-specific apprenticeship.
Antonia Grey, BMRA’s lead on apprenticeships, said: “It is important to stress that you do not need to be a BMRA member to benefit from this apprenticeship.
“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.”
Metals recycling apprenticeship
The MRGO apprenticeship is open to all metal recycling businesses in England, and is intended to equip employees with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work safely and effectively in a modern recycling operation.
Apprentices are trained in areas including metals recycling processes, site administration, risk assessment, environmental responsibilities and the legislation governing the industry.
The programme also provides practical experience using specialist and general plant and equipment, such as forklift trucks, shears and cable strippers, with health and safety embedded throughout the course.
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)
BMRA said the apprenticeship offers a cost-effective route for employers to address recruitment and skills shortages, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
Under current funding arrangements, employers with annual payrolls below £3 million do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy and instead contribute just 5% of training costs, with the government covering the remaining 95%.
Grey added: “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.”
