Description
Location: Avon Protection UK, Corporate Office Hq, Hampton Park West, Semington Road,
Melksham, SN12 6NB
Start Date: April 2026
Working for Avon Protection
Avon Protection is an innovative capability provider specializing in the design, development, testing and manufacture of integrated protective systems.
Our portfolio of mission-critical protection solutions includes full face respirators, CBRN protective wear, escape hoods, SCBA systems, modular PAPR units, thermal imaging cameras and underwater equipment.
The Package
* Starting salary of £20,000/year (Will increase to at least NMW for your age group after the first 12 months of the apprenticeship)
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Workings hours are 36.5 hours per week
* 08:30am to 17:00pm (Mon to Thurs) / 08:30am to 16:00pm (Fri)
* Company pension scheme
* Subsidised canteen on site
* Life assurance (6x salary)
* Holiday purchase scheme
* Medicash scheme
* Employee reward scheme
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
Avon Protection are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join their team, supporting the testing of rubber and other polymer-based materials and ingredients. This role plays a key part in day-to-day laboratory operations, undertaking product testing in line with production needs while ensuring work is carried out safely, accurately, and to defined quality standards.
The apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in laboratory science, allowing the successful candidate to develop practical laboratory skills, data analysis capabilities, and experience with industry-standard equipment and procedures, while working closely with colleagues and internal and external customers in a supportive, high-quality laboratory environment.
Summary of duties:
* Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
* Follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
* Prepare for laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods.
* Perform laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures.
* Use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required.
* Produce reliable, accurate data and keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results.
* Analyse, interpret and evaluate data and identify results requiring further investigation seeking advice of senior colleagues as appropriate.
* Communicate scientific information appropriately, including the use of Laboratory Information Management systems, either digital or paper based.
* Apply scientific techniques for data presentation. e.g. statistics.
* Recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions.
* Participate in continuous business performance improvement.
* Routine maintenance and cleaning of equipment and laboratory.
* Managing workflows to ensure that work is delivered on time.
* Liaison with internal and external customers.
* Any other duties required by the business.
Please note: Due to the nature of the role and the Health & Safety requirements - you must be 18+ to be suitable. You will also need to consent to a private background check if you are offered the position.
What could the future look like?
When you join Avon Protection, 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 training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).
This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it's the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (primary and secondary), biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services, or educational institutions, the doors are wide open.
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 Applied Chemical Science.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
You are a motivated and methodical individual with a strong attention to detail and a genuine curiosity for understanding data and solving problems. You are comfortable using Microsoft Word and Excel and have good communication skills, enabling you to share information clearly with colleagues and customers. You are able to follow instructions accurately and consistently, while recognising and responding to issues as they arise.
You take a proactive approach to your work, use your initiative to get tasks done, and can organise your workload effectively to meet deadlines. You are committed to working safely, handling chemicals and laboratory equipment in line with site safety regulations, and you enjoy working as part of a small, flexible team. Most importantly, you are enthusiastic about developing your skills and fully committed to completing Apprenticeship training.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous science 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 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship.
You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Avon Protection 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.
Please note: Due to the nature of the role and the Health & Safety requirements - you must be 18+ to be suitable. You will also need to consent to a private background check if you are offered the position.
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.