Description
Location: County Highways Laboratory – Stockbridge Road, Micheldever, Winchester, SO21 3BB
Working for Hampshire County Council
The County Highways Laboratory is part of Engineering Services within the Highways Department of Hampshire County Council. We are a dynamic and forward-thinking authority, delivering a wide range of high quality testing services to the council, other public authorities and private sector clients.
Based in Micheldever, the County Highways Laboratory is equipped to perform over 50 specialised laboratory and site tests ion construction materials including asphalt, aggregates, soil and concrete. This is to ensure that materials used on our highway network are compliant and safe. We are also UKAS accredited, guaranteeing the highest level of quality and reliability in our testing services.
Find out more about the County Highways Laboratory here .
The Package
* Starting salary: £24,405 - £25,430 per annum
* Working hours: 37hrs per week, Monday - Friday
* 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays
* Company pension
* Regular training & CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as a Materials Testing Technician Apprentice?
As an Apprentice Materials Technician, we will provide you with both practical on the job training and an externally provided qualification from level 3 up to level 5.
* Develop skills to perform investigative and testing work both in the laboratory and on-site
* Work as part of a team or independently at client locations, depending on the project
* Handle a varied workload — no two days are the same
* Carry out sample collection on-site and conduct laboratory testing
* Write reports and perform quality checks based on testing results
* Undertake physical testing tasks, primarily on windows and doors, following in-house procedures and national standards
* Move and handle large test specimens within the laboratory
* Perform water resistance and security testing on products
* Generate detailed reports on your findings
* Learn about the day-to-day operations of a testing laboratory
* Gain knowledge of health & safety, housekeeping, and laboratory regulations
What could the future look like?
When you join Hampshire County Council, 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 training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths in materials testing. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.
This apprenticeship program also serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).
This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Applied Materials Science Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
About you
This is a very hands on and practical role so you should have a passion for science, love to get your hands dirty and be willing to get stuck in from the offset!
We’re looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. The ideal candidate would be inquisitive, eager to constantly learn and develop new knowledge and have an eye for detail. You will also need to be able to work collaboratively and as part of a friendly, enthusiastic and diverse team.
The ability to think on your feet and have good health & safety awareness is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role.
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Please note, because of the nature and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+, hold a valid driving license, access to your own car and be able to undertake some manual handling/heavy lifting.
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!
Experience
We’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Hampshire County Council.
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 Hampshire County Council 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 17, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in 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 to join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.
Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.