New energy

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

You can get into this job with a higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You may have an advantage if you have studied for a qualification in:

• business and environment
• environment and sustainability
• community development
• public relations or marketing

Some employers might want you to have a qualification that is accredited by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• between 1 and 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national diploma or degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course to help you learn some of the skills and knowledge you need to become a recycling engagement officer. For example a certificate or diploma in:

• sustainable resource management
• business management
• marketing
• public relations

Apprenticeship

You could begin by doing an apprenticeship like:

• Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
• Environmental Practitioner Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

These take a minimum of 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships

Volunteering and work experience

You could volunteer at a recycling centre to get practical experience of working in waste management.

You could also take part in community or environmental based schemes to show your interest in local affairs.

Direct application

You could apply directly to work as a recycling engagement officer.

You'll be expected to have an understanding of the issues around recycling, as well as experience of bringing different groups together to work on projects.

More information

You can find out more about careers and training in recycling from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

More information

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could:become an engagement and partnerships manager; move into freelance work as an environmental or sustainability consultant; apply for chartered environmentalist status