Description
Location: 8 Frogmore Rd,
Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9RT
Working for RSK Group
RSK is a well-established global leader in the delivery of environmental and engineering solutions. We recognise the urgent need for sustainable change and know that this will be achieved by delivering meaningful action, not just words.
The business was founded in 1989, originally focused on providing environmental consultancy services to global energy clients. Today, while we remain a leader in environmental consultancy, the business is significantly more diverse. RSK delivers a breadth and depth of environmental and engineering services, either as stand-alone projects or as large and integrated multidisciplinary solutions.
The Package
* Starting salary of £16,640 (This will increase to at least National Minimum Wage for your age group after the first 12 months of training.)
* 31 days annual leave including bank holidays and Christmas shut-down
* Working hours are 40 hours per week
* Company pension scheme
* Cycle to work / electric vehicle schemes
* Health cash plans purchase opportunities
* Wellbeing, gym and lifestyle discounts
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
RSK Group are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join their Materials and Structures team, supporting day-to-day laboratory testing and analytical activities within a UKAS-accredited environment.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in laboratory science and materials testing, offering hands-on experience with recognised testing procedures, laboratory best practice, and the development of practical, analytical, and technical skills in a professional and supportive setting.
Summary of duties:
* Chemistry testing sample preparation.
* Equipment maintenance (cleaning and calibrations etc).
* Physical testing preparation of stone and concrete thin sections for petrographic examination by our petrographic team.
* Calculations of results and drafting of certificates of analysis.
* Assist in maintaining the sample reception; helping to book in samples for laboratory analysis.
* Learning the importance of housekeeping in a Laboratory.
What could the future look like?
When you join RSK Group 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 new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).
This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors.
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 Materials Science or Chemistry.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
You are a self-motivated individual with a genuine willingness to learn, develop, and improve in a laboratory environment. You have strong written and verbal communication skills, allowing you to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
You are comfortable using Microsoft Office and general computer systems, and you bring good mathematics, science, or practical skills that will support your development within a technical testing role.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous 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 Materials Technician apprenticeship.
You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at RSK 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 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.