Field Inspector (Level 3) Apprenticeship – Vanden Recycling
Qualification Requirements
Minimum 5 GCSEs at 9-4(A*-C) including Maths, English and Science.
Salary – £16,194.75 to £26,190.45 per annum
Benefits
- Holiday Allowance – 25 Days Holiday Allowance
- Pension – Employee 5%, Employer 5%
- Eyecare (within Medical)
- Dental (within Medical)
- Onsite parking
- Death in service amount
- Employee recognition awards
- Away days and company parties
Location – Vanden Recycling Ltd 31a Aaron Road Industrial Estate Whittlesey, PE7 2EX United Kingdom
Working Hours
Monday to Friday 08:00am-17:00pm (optional overtime) with 2 X 15 minute breaks and 30 minute lunch break, 20 minutes are paid the rest is unpaid
Start Date – As soon as possible.
Interview Date – To be confirmed
Closing Date for Applications – 4th April 2025
To Apply
Please apply to this apprenticeship vacancy via the Cogent Skills vacancies page.
Job Description
In this role, you will:
· Conduct material inspections, collect samples, and attend loadings (containers and trailers).
· Perform tests, analyse results, and complete necessary documentation.
· Travel across the country 3-4 days a week, visiting suppliers and ensuring quality compliance. This is a hands-on role that requires working in the field, getting involved in inspections, and making informed decisions about material quality. You will receive extensive training, learning how to conduct quality tests both in the lab and in real-world settings.
The role offers long-term career growth opportunities in commercial, technical, or training roles within a fast-growing, values-driven industry.
Job Responsibilities
Material Inspections & Quality Control:
· Attend scheduled and ad-hoc loadings to ensure quality and packaging compliance.
· Conduct detailed, hands-on inspections of material quality.
· Identify and reject non-conforming products.
· Collect samples, take photos, and complete post-loading paperwork.
· Inspect materials at supplier and customer facilities.
· Use tools like Near Infrared (NIR), micrometers, and magnets for quality testing.
Supplier & Risk Management:
· Conduct supplier inspections and assess processing quality control.
· Identify potential contamination or quality variances before issues arise.
· Engage in risk management by proactively addressing non-conformances.
· Provide detailed feedback to account managers regarding inspections.
· Investigate and report on non-conformances, introducing corrective actions when needed.
Communication & Teamwork:
· Build strong working relationships with suppliers, account managers, and team members.
· Communicate inspection results clearly and in a timely manner.
· Identify commercial opportunities and share insights with the team.
· Participate in continuous learning and skill development
What You’ll Gain:
· Hands-on experience in plastic recycling, quality control, and supplier validation.
· Training in industry-specific testing equipment and quality assurance techniques.
· Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with career progression opportunities.
Candidate Requirements
· Interest in quality assurance, procurement, or supply chain management.
· Prior work experience or education in a relevant field is beneficial but not required.
· A valid driving license (due to travel requirements).
Personal Qualities
· Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking.
· Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
· Good communication skills, able to engage professionally with suppliers and colleagues.
· Comfortable using Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word).
· Willingness to learn and take initiative in solving problems
Training To Be Delivered
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
Training Provider: Cogent Skills
Delivery model: Blended mixture online and in person learning
About Vanden Recycling
At Vanden, we’re passionate about transforming waste into a valuable commodity. Our mission: “Build the world’s largest recycled plastics commodities company”.
Since we started on our journey, back in 2005, we’ve developed a worldwide presence, serving hundreds of customers in over 50 countries. And we’ve grown a strong, capable team of colleagues who are dedicated and loyal.
We are headquartered in Hong Kong with operations and representation in Australia, Finland, Ireland, Turkey, Spain, Netherlands & UK. We operate a factory based in the UK specialising in the collection and recycling of plastic waste generated from industry and manufacturing.
About this role
Tom Bretherton
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