Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3 Location: Preston Compensation: £20,800 / year Description Location: Unit 4, Tomlinson Rd, Leyland, PR25 2DY Working for Kerakoll Kerakoll is a global leader in sustainable building solutions, specialising in eco-friendly materials for construction, renovation, and interior design. From adhesives and sealants to breathable paints and advanced structural systems, we help create healthier, greener buildings — combining innovation, technical expertise, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. With a strong reputation for quality and a fast-growing international presence, we support architects, builders, and designers worldwide. Our product range spans structural, decorative, and finishing solutions, with every project focused on performance, safety, and sustainability. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to develop hands-on experience in a forward-thinking industry, Kerakoll offers a supportive and innovative environment where you’ll learn from skilled professionals. As an apprentice, you’ll contribute to real-world projects that shape sustainable construction — while building valuable skills for your future. The Package Starting salary from £20,800 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if applicable) Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week 4-Weekly Shift Rotation (Week 1: 6:00am – 14:30pm; Week 2: 8:30am - 5:00pm; Week 3: 1:30pm - 10:00pm; Week 4: 8:30am - 5:00pm) 25 Days Annual Leave, plus buy/sell holiday scheme Enhanced pension contributions Employee engagement events Reward & Wellbeing Portal providing: Discounts on retailers, salary sacrifice cycle to work & smart tech schemes, wellbeing resources & employee assistance programme What will I be doing as an apprentice? This role offers the chance to support an experienced Quality Control team, working at the heart of a busy manufacturing operation that produces sustainable construction materials. You’ll gain hands-on experience in laboratory practices, product testing, and industry regulations — all while contributing to the delivery of high-quality products used across the construction sector. As an Apprentice, you will be trained in safe laboratory practices and learn how quality control underpins manufacturing processes. You’ll develop practical skills in testing materials, using laboratory equipment, recording and presenting data, and working in line with international standards. This is an opportunity to build a strong foundation in science and engineering while supporting real-world projects that make a difference. Key Responsibilities Follow good laboratory practices (GLP) and maintain an organised, safe working environment. Learn to use, clean, and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure reliable test results. Perform quality tests in line with defined methods, industry regulations, and Kerakoll’s internal standards. Analyse raw materials, incoming goods, and finished products for compliance. Accurately record, interpret, and present test data to both local and international colleagues. Identify and report non-conformities, supporting continuous improvement in manufacturing processes. Assist with managing returned goods, ensuring appropriate recycling or safe disposal. Support the wider quality team with stakeholder queries and day-to-day laboratory tasks. Undertake manual handling duties (up to 25kg) as part of sample testing and preparation. You will receive full training and ongoing support from experienced colleagues to help you develop technical skills and confidence in a professional laboratory environment. This is a great opportunity to start your career in science and quality, while contributing to the production of sustainable materials used in construction projects worldwide. What could the future look like? Starting your apprenticeship with Kerakoll is an excellent first step into a long-term career in quality control and construction materials science. Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to progress into a full-time Quality Control Technician role within our team. You’ll gain practical, hands-on experience in a fast-paced commercial laboratory, supporting the testing and assurance of sustainable construction materials used in projects around the world. The skills you develop here — from safe laboratory practices and sample analysis to data recording and adherence to industry standards — are highly valued across the wider construction, engineering, and materials science sectors. This apprenticeship can also serve as a pathway toward professional recognition, including opportunities to work toward qualifications such as the Registered Science Technician (RSciTech), accredited by the Science Council. With the right attitude and performance, you may also have the chance to continue your development through further training or higher-level qualifications, such as a Level 6 Applied Chemistry or Materials Science Degree Apprenticeship. From there, you could progress into more specialised roles or take on leadership responsibilities — for example, moving from Quality Control Technician to Senior QC Analyst, Laboratory Supervisor, or even Lab Manager. At Kerakoll, we are committed to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for long-term career growth. Your journey starts here. Skills, Knowledge, and Experience About you We’re looking for a motivated and curious individual who’s ready to start a hands-on career in quality control and construction materials science. You should have a keen interest in science, materials testing, and quality assurance, with a strong desire to grow your skills while supporting real-world manufacturing and testing processes. You enjoy practical work, pay close attention to detail, and can stay focused when working under pressure or to tight deadlines. You’re able to manage tasks independently but also understand the value of working collaboratively within a team. You communicate clearly, ask questions when needed, and are always eager to learn. You’ll need to be comfortable working in an industrial laboratory or production support environment, understanding the importance of quality, safety, and accurate documentation. While prior knowledge of quality control is helpful, full training will be provided. Experience We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as prior experience. Previous experience in a lab, materials testing, or manufacturing environment is advantageous but not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who have a genuine interest in science and the motivation to build a career in quality assurance. You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain or start a new career. If you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit in well with our team. Qualifications Formal qualifications aren’t essential for this role. What matters most is your genuine interest in science and materials testing, a practical mindset, good communication skills, and a strong willingness to learn and develop within a technical role at Kerakoll. So how does the apprenticeship work? At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board. 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 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Kerakoll 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.