Description
Location: B.S.T. Supplies & Co, Zenith, Fordhouse Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9FB
Working for BST Supplies
BST are based in Wolverhampton - UK where our 'Bespoke' components are manufactured on site, our capacity includes hot forging, Heat Treatment, Mechanical Testing, NDT Testing, CNC Machining and PTFE Plating to a wide range of threaded and non threaded components.
http://www.bstsupplies.com
The Package
* Starting salary of £29,000/year
* Mon-Thurs 8.00-4.30 and Friday 8.00-4.00pm
* 39.5 hours per week
* Overtime available
* Company pension scheme
* Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Manager Level 5 Apprentice to join the team and support the effective operation of laboratory and materials testing activities. In this role, you will contribute to maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory processes while supporting quality assurance and testing activities across the organisation.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in laboratory leadership and quality management, giving you the opportunity to develop technical, operational, and problem-solving skills within a supportive environment focused on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Summary of duties:
* Carry out materials testing, including tensile and impact testing, on production materials where required.
* Ensure all testing activities follow company quality procedures and relevant ASTM and BS standards.
* Make sure all materials used for testing are correctly identified and fully traceable using batch or BST reference numbers.
* Read and interpret technical specifications and accurately record test results in line with customer and international material standards.
* Conduct mechanical, physical, and visual inspections of raw materials and components to confirm they meet required specifications.
* Prepare materials and components for metallurgical examination where required.
* Ensure laboratory testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and safe to use.
* Record testing information using company systems and produce reports, including logging non-conformances (NCRs).
* Work with colleagues across departments to resolve testing queries and confirm materials meet product requirements.
* Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and housekeeping within the laboratory and testing areas.
What could the future look like?
When you join BST Supplies, 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 the leadership, technical, and operational skills needed to manage modern laboratories. You’ll build expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations while gaining the confidence to lead investigations, improve processes, and oversee safe and efficient lab environments. This apprenticeship supports your progression into leadership roles within scientific organisations while strengthening your ability to manage people, systems, and innovation.
This programme opens up a range of career opportunities across industries including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, healthcare, manufacturing, and research organisations. As laboratories become increasingly complex and regulated, skilled laboratory managers are in high demand to ensure compliance, drive innovation, and lead high-performing scientific teams.
The apprenticeship can also support further professional development and recognition within the scientific sector. Learners may choose to work towards professional registration such as Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci), helping to strengthen their professional standing and open doors to more senior leadership roles within laboratory and scientific management.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
About You
A strong candidate for the Level 5 Laboratory Manager apprenticeship will be organised, analytical, and detail-focused, with an interest in maintaining high standards within a laboratory environment.
They should demonstrate good communication skills, leadership potential, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and improving laboratory processes. Candidates should be comfortable working within regulated environments and following safety and quality procedures.
Applicants should have at least one year of experience working in a laboratory environment and be motivated to develop their skills and progress into a laboratory leadership role.
Experience
This apprenticeship is designed for individuals who already have experience working within a laboratory environment and are ready to take the next step in their career. Applicants should have at least 1 year of laboratory experience, which may include roles in research, testing, quality control, or technical support.
You might currently be working as a laboratory technician, senior technician, scientist, or team leader, and are looking to progress into a role with greater responsibility. This programme is ideal for those who want to build their leadership skills, strengthen their understanding of laboratory operations and compliance, and move towards managing teams, processes, and laboratory performance.
If you’re motivated to grow, eager to improve how laboratories operate, and ready to develop the skills needed to lead others in a scientific environment, this apprenticeship will provide the platform to take that next step.
Qualifications
* Level 3 qualification in a science-related subject (such as A-levels, BTEC, NVQ, or equivalent)
* At least 1 year of experience working in a laboratory environment
We recognise that everyone’s journey into science and laboratory leadership is different. If you’re passionate about progressing your career in laboratory management but aren’t sure whether you meet all of the requirements yet, we’d still encourage you to apply. Let us know you’re interested and we can discuss your individual circumstances and potential pathways with you.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 24 months, you’ll spend a minimum of 6 hours of your working week completing ‘off-the-job’ training. This may include theory-based learning such as virtual workshops and online modules, alongside practical development activities like mentoring, leadership projects, process improvement work, and time dedicated to completing assignments. Together, these activities will contribute towards achieving your Level 5 Laboratory Manager apprenticeship.
You’ll be supported throughout your journey by an expert tutor from Tiro, as well as an experienced workplace mentor at BST Supplies. Together, they will help you develop the technical knowledge, leadership capability, and operational skills needed to effectively manage laboratory environments, lead teams, and drive improvements in safety, compliance, and performance.
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 5, 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 16, 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.