Summary
You’ll be involved in the development and characterisation of advanced ceramic-based materials, 3D printing, ceramic matrix composites and geopolymers, gaining experience across a range of processing routes and testing techniques, contributing to live projects in sectors including Aerospace, Energy, Healthcare, Automotive and Nuclear.
Wage
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Training course
Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8.45am - 5.15pm with 1 hours lunch (one day a week spent at Derby University - day TBC)
37 hours a week
Start date
Tuesday 1 September 2026
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
As part of our team, you’ll:
* Gain hands-on laboratory and project experience from day one
* Work alongside experienced and world-leading scientists and engineers
* Contribute to meaningful R&D projects that drive innovation
* Build skills in materials science, equipment operation, and project management
* Experience the journey from concept through to commercial application
No two days are the same - the variety and exposure in this apprenticeship is genuinely unique.
Where you'll work
Brooms Road
Stone Business Park
Stone
ST15 0SH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNIVERSITY OF DERBY
Training course
Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
* Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
* Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
* Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
* Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
* Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
* Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
* Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
* Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
* Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
* Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
* Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
* Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
* Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
* Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
* Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
* Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
* Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
* Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
* Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
Training schedule
You’ll study for a Materials Science Technologist Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Derby, starting September 2026, combining academic learning with practical experience:
* 80% on-site at Lucideon – getting stuck into real projects
* 20% off-the-job learning – university study and independent development including face to face delivery with lectures and workshops
* Supported by a structured training programme and university partnership
* Completion over 48 months plus an End Point Assessment (EPA) with an external assessor
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* 3 other subjects (grade 6/B or above)
* English (grade 6/B or above)
* Maths (grade 6/B or above)
A Level in:
* Chemistry, Physics, Engineering (or T-Level) (grade B or above)
* Maths (grade B or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
* Curiosity
Other requirements
We’re looking for people who are:
* Naturally curious and hands-on
* Eager to learn, with a passion for science and innovation and a pro-active approach to learning
* Confident working both independently and as part of a team
* Strong communicators who enjoy collaborating across disciplines
* Analytical thinkers with a problem-solving mindset
* If you enjoy figuring out how things work – and how they can work better – you’ll thrive here.