Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L6
Location: Widnes
Compensation: £21,440 - £25,115 / year
Description
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.
With a history of inorganic chemical manufacture since 1923, the site at Moorfield Road, Widnes employs more than 100 people and is part of the ALTANA Group.
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
Key Responsibilities
* 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.
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
* 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
Applicants should not already hold a degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject.
Training
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.
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.
Future Path
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.
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