Location: BYK Additives Limited, Moorfield Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 3AA Working for BYK BYK Additives Ltd is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments. Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as rheology, scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives. The coatings, inks and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK Additives. They improve final product characteristics and production processes in other fields such as the oil & gas industry and manufacture of personal care, adhesive, sealant and construction products. The site, at Moorfield Road, Widnes, has been the home of inorganic chemical manufacture, since 1923 and currently employs more than 100 people. Today the company is the biggest division within the ALTANA Group (www.altana.com) and employs around 2,200 people worldwide. "}' data-trix-content-type="undefined" data-trix-id="27259"> The Package Starting salary: £19,760 - £24,127 per year (National Minimum/Living Wage depending on age) 38 hours per week, Monday - Friday 25 days plus 8 bank holidays Competitive Pension Scheme Regular training and CPD opportunities BYK offers a wide and varied range of assignments that support both personal and professional development, alongside a positive and collaborative working environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas. You will benefit from an open-minded culture that embraces new trends and ways of thinking, an attractive salary and benefits package, and individualised training and development opportunities. As a growing global organisation, BYK also provides long-term stability and excellent prospects for future career planning. Key Responsibilities The successful apprentice will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines: Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems. Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations and production processes. Carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses. Prepare samples. Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example viscometers, conductivity and pH meters. Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced. Maintain good accurate written records of work carried out. Record and interpret results to present to senior colleagues. Use computers and perform mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs. Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace. Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability. Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research. Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner. Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology required for the sector & job role. From day one you will be working with industry experts helping you to develop world class skills. You will work in an energised and supportive environment with a personal mentor and earn a competitive salary. About You You have a strong interest in chemistry and enjoy understanding how substances behave, react, and interact. You’re curious by nature and like to dig deeper into results - not just what happened, but why. You’re motivated to build real scientific expertise and develop a long-term career in a laboratory environment, applying theory in a practical, hands-on way. You’re detail-oriented and methodical, able to follow complex procedures while maintaining accuracy and consistency. Working with data, calculations, and scientific methods feels engaging rather than daunting, and you take pride in producing high-quality, reliable results. When things don’t go to plan, you stay analytical and solution-focused, using problem-solving skills to investigate and improve outcomes. You’ll typically have a strong academic foundation in chemistry - ideally A-level Chemistry (or equivalent), alongside another science or maths-based subject. Applicants from an Applied Science background will also be considered where there is a clear chemistry focus. You’re comfortable working with scientific concepts, data, and reports, and ready to take the next step into a more advanced, specialist role. Apprenticeship Eligibility To apply for this apprenticeship, you must: ✔️ Be 16 or over ✔️ Not be in full-time education ✔️ Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years ✔️ Have the right to work in the UK Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject. If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further. So how does the apprenticeship work? Start your career as a laboratory scientist and gain hands-on experience in a real laboratory environment while working towards a recognised degree. As part of this Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship in Chemistry, you’ll develop the skills to carry out advanced laboratory techniques, analyse and interpret complex chemical data, and contribute to research, development, and innovation. This programme gives you the best of both worlds - you’ll combine academic study with practical, on-the-job experience, building the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours needed to succeed in the chemical science industry. Learn more about the programme here. Over the course of the programme, you’ll combine your day-to-day role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro, in partnership with Middlesex University. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person teaching, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace. In the final stage of the programme, you’ll focus on preparing for your End Point Assessment, ensuring you’re ready to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and behaviours in a real-world context. What your training will look like: You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, academic study, and hands-on workplace training to build your scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and analytical skills step by step. What could your future look like? This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to progress as a laboratory scientist within the chemical sciences. Through practical experience and academic study, you’ll develop the confidence to carry out complex chemical investigations, evaluate data, and contribute to research and innovation. You’ll work with advanced laboratory equipment and techniques while ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and scientific integrity. This programme can also support professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci). You’ll gain experience that’s highly valued across a wide range of scientific and industrial environments, opening up opportunities to specialise and progress within chemistry and related technical fields. If you choose to continue your development, this programme provides a strong foundation for further academic study or progression into senior scientific and research roles.