Summary You will support the analysis and control of chemical processes with barrel and reel-to-reel plating operations, and in the effluent treatment plant. You will ensure plating baths are properly maintained and compliant with operational and environmental standards. This role provides a foundation in lab techniques, chemical analysis, process control. Wage £17,000 a year Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab) Training course Laboratory technician (level 3) Hours Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm. 39 hours a week Start date Monday 1 September 2025 Duration 1 year 9 months 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 Carry out routine chemical analysis of plating baths to monitor concentration and contamination levels Assist in the adjustment of chemical solutions based on test results and process needs Support the operation and analysis requirements of the effluent treatment plant Work with production staff to ensure plating processes remain within specification Maintain accurate records of chemical usage, test results, and corrective actions Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment. Comply with health, safety, and environmental guidelines relating to chemicals and laboratory work Assist in lab audits and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives Where you'll work Fitzherbert Road Portsmouth PO6 1RT Training Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills. College or training organisation HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE Your training course Laboratory technician (level 3) Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab) What you'll learn Course contents Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures. Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required Complete documentation proficiently Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results Contribute to the preparation of reports. Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing. Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures. Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required Complete documentation proficiently Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results Contribute to the preparation of reports. Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing. Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results Your training plan As an Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to study the following through this Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship in Laboratory Technician BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science This apprenticeship requires a one day a week day release at the South Downs College campus. This will be discussed with you upon appointment. Requirements Essential qualifications GCSE in: English (grade 5) Maths (grade 5) Science (grade 5) Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know. Skills Communication skills Attention to detail Organisation skills Problem solving skills Presentation skills Analytical skills Logical Team working Creative Initiative Non judgemental Patience Interest in Chemistry Interest in Lab Work Interest in Manufacturing Other requirements Whilst this is a Lab based role an interest in Engineering is essential as the role will include Engineering aspects. About this company Harwin plc is a Portsmouth based manufacturing company specialising in the innovative design and production of electrical/electronic components. Our products are distributed worldwide through our network of partners in Europe, Asia and the US. We offer breadth and depth of expertise in such markets as distribution, industrial and instrumentation, medical, military, aerospace, automotive and telecommunications. https://www.harwin.com/ (opens in new tab) Company benefits Competitive Salary 25 days holiday plus bank/public hols Additional 3 days off over the festive period Employee Assistance Programme Company pension scheme Life Cover 3x salary Company Bonus Scheme After this apprenticeship A long term career with Harwin with multiple role opportunities as the company continues to develop Ask a question The contact for this apprenticeship is: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE Robert Read robert.read@hsdc.ac.uk The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000329338.