Description
Location: Unit 6 Park Industrial Estate, Frogmore, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2DR
Working for Quartz Scientific
Quartz Scientific has over 30 years’ experience as an independent UKAS accredited laboratory providing chemical analysis and consultancy to the construction industry. Services provided include tests for aggregates, paint, gypsum plasters and water for concrete.
We are a hard-working team, whose laboratory provides its services to construction projects of all scales, in both the public and private sectors, within the Greater London area and beyond.
Technological advances in the industry and the requirement during restoration of historical buildings to use identical materials continue to make demands on the analysis of samples and the interpretation of results. Established in 1991 and UKAS accredited in 1995, Quartz Scientific has the depth of knowledge and experience to keep pace with these changes and they continue to occur.
We are now looking to share this knowledge and experience, as we expand our laboratory team with this amazing apprenticeship opportunity!
The Package
* Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months, if applicable)
* 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)
* Typical workings hours are 40 hours per week (9:00am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, half an hour for lunch). If the workload dictates, working hours can be requested anytime between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Weekend overtime, as necessary.
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Company pension scheme
* Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
Reporting directly to the laboratory manager, you’ll assist with the preparation and testing of a wide range of construction materials such as concrete, aggregates, mortar, and paint. As a UKAS accredited laboratory, quality is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll diligently follow the quality system with regular calibrations, duplicate samples, and analysis of quality control standards.
Responsibilities include:
* Sample preparation.
* Chemical analyses such as titrations, gravimetric analyses, use of ion selective electrodes and spectroscopy in accordance with accredited methods and quality procedures. Training is given internally on each method and technique as the requirement arises.
* Preparation of reagents, standards, and glassware.
* Data input - booking in samples and general administration of the sample throughput.
* Ensure all safety and quality standards are met.
* Ad hoc duties as required.
What could the future look like?
When you join Quartz Scientific, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.
Through practical, on-the-job training, you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).
This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors.
This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
Laboratories are a tightly run ship – particularly those that are UKAS accredited! To thrive in this role, you will need an accurate and systematic approach to your work, with excellent attention to detail. Precision matters in this role, so a careful and methodical mindset is key.
A strong scientific aptitude and a genuine interest in materials science will help you thrive, especially in a hands-on, technical environment. You should also bring strong organisational skills to stay on top of multiple tasks and priorities.
Motivation and drive are essential, along with the ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines. If you're someone who takes initiative and enjoys working with purpose, this could be a great fit for you.
Please note, due to the nature, location and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+, hold a full driving license and access to your own car.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career.
You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit right in.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 18 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship.
You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Quartz Scientific who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!
Eligibility
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.
As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.
If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.
You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
We’re Tiro (pronounced Tea-ro — white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner, and soldier — the perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employers waiting to nurture them.
We’re proud to help connect the two — supporting industries that make, test, and innovate; from polymer manufacturing and materials science to sustainable engineering and advanced technology.
At Tiro, we make great things happen for people.
And that starts with you.