Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Heidelberg Materials UK
Location: The Ridge, Bristol, BS37 6AY
Salary: £21,352.55
Working for Heidelberg Materials UK
Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.
We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.
At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Product Development Technician (Level 3) to join our expert team at the Heidelberg Materials UK Chipping Sodbury National Laboratory. In this role, you'll play a vital part in the testing, development, and innovation of materials that support the UK's road and infrastructure network. Working closely with experienced professionals, you'll help ensure our products meet exacting performance and sustainability standards through hands-on laboratory testing, analysis, and reporting.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career in materials science and product development, giving you the chance to gain practical experience in a UKAS-accredited environment while contributing to cutting-edge research projects. You'll develop a broad range of technical and professional skills from laboratory testing and data analysis to problem-solving and technical reporting all within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that champions innovation, sustainability, and personal growth.
Summary of duties
* Create and test new Asphalt materials to meet performance specifications
* Conduct over 40 accredited tests in line with industry standards
* Investigate material complaints and produce detailed technical reports
* Manage your own projects and provide support across the technical team
* Participate in research and development of innovative products
What could the future look like?
When you join Heidelberg Materials UK, the possibilities for your success are limitless.
Starting your journey in the Asphalt Product Development Laboratory as an apprentice, you'll be part of the team responsible for designing all UK asphalt materials, ensuring their ongoing performance, and driving research and innovation in new technologies that shape the future of our products.
You'll gain hands-on experience in a well-established construction materials testing laboratory, working closely with a small team of technical experts and supporting activities such as product development and complaint investigations.
As your skills grow, so will your opportunities you could progress into senior supervisory or laboratory management roles, move into an Area Technical Manager position, join our National Laboratory for quality control, or even transition into production at plant level, helping to manufacture the very products you helped to develop.
About You
We are looking for an apprentice who is curious motivated, and ready to take on challenges in a laboratory environment. You should bring enthusiasm and a genuine interest in materials science, engineering, or product development, with a proactive approach to learning new techniques and technologies.
What We are Looking For
* Great attention to detail
* Methodical mindset
* Good communicator
* Team player
* Reliable
* Committed
* Eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution to the future of sustainable construction materials.
Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience.
You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you're enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you'll fit right in.
What You Will Be Doing
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!
Over 18 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 Heidelberg Materials UK 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 a practical role, 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
* You'll need to be over 18 due to site restrictions, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
* Should not possess a higher-level qualification equivalent to Level 3 or above
Rewards & Benefits
We're proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice
* Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance
* Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
* Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more)
* Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities
* Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause
Heidelberg materials make great things happen for people and that starts with you