Overview
Department: Science
Location: South East
Compensation: £22,000 / year
Description: Location requires travel to national sites (Head office: 104 Russell Building, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ)
Working for SoilEx: SoilEx was founded in 2019 by Alex Collman, who has 15 years of experience in the industry and identified a gap in the construction waste sector supply chain. The company began in a small office in Hemel Hempstead, expanding to Harpenden in 2021 and Everton (Nr. Doncaster) in late 2024, with a digital portal ConnEx launched in early 2025 and products ExBox and ExBag in use. SoilEx is committed to innovation and delivering quality service with a focus on practical, real-world outcomes.
The Package
* Starting salary of £22,000/year (Increasing to NMW after 12 months, depending on age)
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Private Healthcare
* Company pension scheme
* Regular training and CPD opportunities
* Company van - Fuel card
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
Summary: We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a Geotechnical Technician Apprentice (Level 3) to join our team, supporting field-based sampling and investigation projects across the UK. The role ensures accurate data collection and compliance with industry standards, working on-site to gather, document, and communicate essential information that underpins project success. This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a career in geoenvironmental and geotechnical services, offering hands-on experience in soil and waste sampling, site assessment, and technical reporting in a supportive environment.
Summary of duties
* Site-Based Sampling & Assessment: Attend sites nationwide to carry out soil and waste sampling using appropriate techniques; conduct visual and olfactory assessments of materials and accurately record observations; take photographs and create clear, professional documentation of site activities for reporting; identify and confirm appropriate sampling locations in collaboration with clients and the internal Technical Team; ensure compliance with health & safety protocols and environmental guidance during site operations.
* Communication & Coordination: Liaise with site-based personnel to schedule and execute fieldwork; maintain close communication with office-based staff to coordinate logistics and data recording; represent the company professionally when interacting with clients and contractors on-site.
* Documentation & Reporting: Accurately log sampling information, site observations, sampling methods, and supporting photographic evidence; support the Technical Team by providing detailed field data to inform waste classification and reporting processes.
What could the future look like?
When you join SoilEx, there are opportunities for career growth, including the potential to secure a full-time position after the apprenticeship. The programme provides practical, on-the-job training to develop skills and competence for materials testing and analysis, with the possibility of becoming a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech). It also opens pathways across industries such as construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development. Further educational routes may include Degree Apprenticeships such as a BSc in Applied Materials Science.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
We are looking for an apprentice who is confident, enthusiastic, and keen to work with others. Strong interpersonal skills are important for interactions with colleagues, clients, and contractors on-site; politeness, respect, and professionalism are essential. You should be reliable, able to follow clear processes, and adaptable to changing site conditions. A hardworking, problem-solving mindset will help you succeed in this practical and varied role. Above all, you should be eager to learn and develop in the geotechnical and geoenvironmental field.
Note: For insurance reasons, you must be 21+ and have a full UK driving licence.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment. Prior experience is not essential — applicants from all backgrounds are welcome, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and motivation to build a career. You may be a school or college leaver or someone seeking retraining.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. The most successful apprentices are driven to learn, can be upfront about what they know, are considerate, self-reflective, and eager to learn the job. The programme lasts 21 months with a minimum of 6 hours per week of off-the-job training, combining theory and practical elements to achieve a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship. You will be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro and an experienced SoilEx mentor to develop knowledge, skills, and work habits. You will earn a salary while gaining qualifications, avoiding student loan debt.
Eligibility
Minimum requirements are set by the UK Government for apprenticeships. Applicants must ensure that the program will provide new knowledge and experiences beyond their current qualifications. If you already hold a Level 3 or higher qualification or substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for funding. You must be over 21, not in full-time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years, and have the right to work in the UK. Note: Insurance considerations require 21+ and a full UK driving licence.
If you don’t meet these requirements yet, you can express interest and we will discuss further.
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