Summary
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Testing Apprentice to join our team, supporting the day-to-day laboratory testing of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and soils.
Wage
£20,800 a year
Starting salary of £20,800 - £25,396 per year (depending on age)
Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 17:30
40 hours a week
Start date
Monday 13 October 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
* Learn and perform tests on construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and soils in accordance with standard procedures
* Calculate and record test results accurately and submit them for review and reporting
* Shadow experienced technicians to gain hands-on experience and build practical skills
* Carry out laboratory testing to assess compliance with relevant British, European, and project-specific specifications
* Maintain high standards of work in line with UKAS accreditation requirements
* Follow the laboratory’s quality management system and develop an understanding of materials reporting processes
* Produce clear and accurate factual reports to support project teams and managers
* Communicate proactively with colleagues to ensure smooth workflow and effective teamwork
* Comply with all laboratory and site health and safety procedures.
* Assist with the handling and lifting of material samples (up to 20kg) safely and efficiently
* Work as part of a supportive, close-knit team and engage in on-the-job learning to achieve relevant qualifications
Where you'll work
WHITWOOD ANNEXE
LUMLEY STREET
CASTLEFORD
WF10 5LB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
TIRO TRAINING LTD
Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
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
Training schedule
Laboratory Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard:
* Over 21 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 White Rose Laboratories Ltd who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4 / C +)
* Maths (grade 4 / C +)
* Science (grade 4 / C +)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Initiative
Other requirements
Please note: you must be 18 years or older to apply, due to insurance requirements and the use of chemicals in the laboratory.