Waste Operative Apprentice

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust; Exeter; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Exeter is seeking a Waste Operative Apprentice to assist with waste collection and handling. This role offers training through Exeter College with a focus on sustainability and safe waste management practices. The apprenticeship lasts 18 months and includes on-the-job training and various benefits such as healthcare discounts and pension schemes.

Benefits

Healthcare discounts

Salary sacrifice options

NHS Pension scheme

Car lease schemes

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and motivated to help achieve sustainability goals.
• Proficient in the collection and transportation of waste.
• Ability to learn and apply routine work procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide an efficient service for waste collection at various sites.
• Conduct daily maintenance checks on vehicles.
• Ensure waste segregation and compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Driving vehicles and trailers

Safe handling of waste

Routine work procedures

Education

Level 2 – Cleaning Hygiene Operative

Job description

Waste Operative Apprentice

The closing date is 10 December 2025

The Waste department at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is looking for a Waste Apprentice who is enthusiastic, motivated, and passionate about helping the Trust achieve our sustainability goals. The correct apprenticeship for this role will be confirmed and discussed at interview.

• Provide an efficient and effective service for the collection of hazardous, clinical, domestic and recycling waste streams within the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital Wonford and the external sites covered by the Trust.
• Provide a collection service for used and soiled linens for the Linen Services Department.

Job responsibilities

• Understand routine work procedures learned on the job through instruction, practice, and short training sessions.
• Be proficient in the collection, safe handling, transportation and decanting of all waste streams in accordance with departmental and Trust policies and statutory regulations.
• Keep disposal cupboards clear and move waste to outside collection points, ensuring segregation during transportation.
• Drive/operate relevant vehicles and trailers within the hospital environment and external sites covered by the Trust.
• Conduct daily tug/van maintenance checks and report defects.
• Undertake weekly cleaning of electric vehicle trailers and vans.
• Ensure clinical waste containers are kept locked and tagged with correct colour‑coded waste stream.
• Clean domestic waste bins with pressure washer as requested.
• Collect, transport and decant bags of soiled linen in accordance with regulations and policies.
• Sort and consolidate waste at collection points and prepare for collection by contractors.
• Participate actively in personal development and training.

This Level 2 apprenticeship is an 18‑month training programme completed while working in the Waste Department at The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (Eastern Services). Training will be carried out through Exeter College on a day release basis during term time. You will study for a Level 2 – Cleaning Hygiene Operative, with on‑the‑job training also provided.

Working pattern: 37.5 hours per week (06:00‑14:00 / 08:00‑16:00 / 14:00‑22:00) including weekends and public bank holidays. One day per week is spent at Exeter College.

Interview date: To be confirmed.

For further information please contact: Garth Saunders, Portering Manager – 07770692677 or [e-mail].

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits including health‑care discounts, salary sacrifice options, nursery access, car lease schemes, and the NHS Pension scheme.

Inclusive Employer

As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures and abilities. Preference will be given to staff with Priority and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.

Employer Details

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.