Summary
FCC is committed to investing in communities in which we operate, reducing our environmental impacts & operating with integrity & transparency for the benefit of our people and our planet. Our net-zero journey is at the core of our ESG commitments: Our people are at the heart of the action we are taking, Want to join us?
Wage
£18,000 a year
Annual wage £18,000 - Under 19’s & Year 1 of Apprenticeship £25,396.80 - Over 19’s and in Year 2 of Apprenticeship
Training course
Chartered manager (degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday. The start and finish times will depend on your divisional sites and their contractual requirements (TBC).
40 hours a week
Start date
Wednesday 1 October 2025
Duration
4 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you’ll do at work
A knowledgeable, skilled, & motivated team are eager to share their expertise on the theoretical & practical competences required for an esteemed career in the waste & resource industry.
As part of this fascinating position, you will be working alongside our expert teams to deliver our Recycling and Waste Collections Services throughout Central Bedfordshire
The apprenticeship shall offer an opportunity to gain a Chartered Management Degree (CMD) over a three-and-a-half-year period. The typical working week shall consist of:
Four days a week, you will focus on gaining practical experience in the operational environment, working under the leadership of experienced FCC employees, to achieve a thorough understanding of Bedfordshires Recyclables and Waste Collections Services Contract
This will include,
* Supporting the Contract Manager and Contract Management Team to deliver recyclables and waste collection services in line with all reporting parameters
* Supporting data input, analysis and reporting activities
* Scheduling and monitoring operational activities
* Communicating with all stakeholders, including the council, operational teams, and FCC management
* The operation of depot facilities, workshop facilities and the associated ‘back office’ activities
* Implement and maintain all FCC integrated management systems, including health and safety management systems
* Supporting the delivery of Social Value and Carbon programmes
* The commercial and regulatory environment governing all these activities
And
* One study day, to successfully complete the curriculum requirements of the CMD qualification, as set by Arden University
Where you’ll work
This apprenticeship is available in these locations:
* Element House, Napier Road, Elms Farm Industrial Estate, Bedford, MK41 0QS
* Central Bedfordshire Various, Central Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire, MK41 0QS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
ARDEN UNIVERSITY LIMITED
Your training course
Chartered manager (degree) (level 6)
Equal to degree
Course contents
* Support the development of organisational strategies and plans. Develop and deliver operational plans; being able to set targets and KPIs, manage resources, and monitor and measure outcomes to establish operational effectiveness, efficiencies and excellence. Produce reports that clearly present information and data, using a range of interpretation and analytical processes. Gain wide support to deliver successful outcomes
* Plan, organise and manage resources in order to achieve organisational goals. Identify key outcomes, develop and implement plans and monitor progress, and provide reports as required. Proactively identify risk and create plans for their mitigation. Able to initiate, lead and drive change within the organisation, identifying barriers/challenges and how to overcome them. Ability to use widely recognised project management tools
* Managing budgets, controlling expenditure and production of financial reports
* Use of customer insight and analysis of data to determine and drive customer service outcomes and improve customer relationships. Creative approaches to developing solutions to meet customer need
* Able to identify service/organisational improvements and opportunities for innovation and growth, using qualitative and quantitative analysis of information and data and benchmarking against others
* Communicate clearly, effectively and regularly using oral, written and digital channels and platforms. Use active listening and open questioning to structure conversations and discussions, and able to challenge when appropriate. Manage and chair meetings and clearly present actions and outcomes. Ability to apply influencing and persuading skills, to the dynamics and politics of personal interactions
* Able to articulate organisational purpose and values. Support the creation of an inclusive, high performance work culture. Enable others to achieve by developing and supporting them through coaching and mentoring
* Able to build teams, empower and motivate others to improve performance or achieve outcomes. Able to delegate to others, provide clear guidance and monitor progress. Ability to set goals and accountabilities
* Able to build rapport and trust, develop networks and maintain relationships with people from a range of cultures, backgrounds and levels. Able to contribute within a team environment. Effectively influence and negotiate, being able to have challenging conversations and give constructive feedback. Work collaboratively with internal and external customers and suppliers
* Able to reflect on own performance, identifying and acting on learning and development needs. Ability to understand impact on others. Can manage stress and personal well-being, and confident in knowing core values and drivers
* Able to create personal development plan, and use widely recognised tools and techniques to ensure the management of time and pressure effectively, and prioritisation and strategic alignment of activities
* Use evidence-based tools and ethical approaches to undertake problem solving and critical analysis, synthesis and evaluation to support decision making
Your training plan
The qualification you will be studying is:
A Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship
You will be employed 4 days per week within the working environment: Predominately Central Bedfordshire Municipal Collections Division
The remaining day is a study day.
More training information
You will also receive:
All health and safety training, mandatory training, and site-specific plant training.
Additional divisional practical training and development.
Regular coaching on managerial techniques
and quarterly reviews will be conducted to ensure you are on track and maintaining progress as required.
Successful apprentices will achieve a degree in management and business, either BA Hons, BSc Hons or BB Hons, and also have the option to be assessed for the Chartered Manager status.
English and Maths.
English and maths will be required to be demonstrated at a minimum level 2.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
A Level in:
* Any 3 Subjects (grade A-C or Equivalent)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Administrative skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
* Physical fitness
* Full Manual Driving License
* Own your own vehicle
* Able to travel between sites
Other requirements
You should have an interest in Environmental matters and finding solutions to everyday challenges. An interest in Fleet and Waste & Resource Management would also be beneficial.