Laboratory Materials Technician Apprentice

HOLCIM UK LIMITED

Coalville, Essex, Sheffield, Skipton, Somerset

Closes in 31 days (Friday 20 November 2026)

Posted on 19 October 2026

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Summary

Start your career as a Laboratory Materials Technician Apprentice with Holcim UK. Earn while you learn, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory testing, quality control and materials science. Work alongside experienced professionals, gain a recognised qualification and help shape the future of sustainable construction.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Competitive salary plus bonus scheme.

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday- Friday Shifts to be confirmed

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Thursday 9 September 2027

Duration

2 years

Positions available

6

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

  • Work alongside experienced Laboratory Technicians and Materials Scientists to test construction materials, including concrete and aggregates
  • Carry out laboratory tests to check materials meet quality, safety and environmental standards
  • Prepare, collect and handle material samples for testing and analysis
  • Use specialist laboratory equipment to measure and assess material properties
  • Record, analyse and report test results accurately
  • Support quality control processes and identify any issues with material performance
  • Assist with testing and developing more sustainable construction materials
  • Follow laboratory health and safety procedures and maintain a clean, safe working environment
  • Work with colleagues across laboratory, technical and operational teams
  • Develop practical skills in materials science, testing techniques and data analysis while working towards a nationally recognised qualification

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

  • Bardon Quarry, Bardon Road, Bardon Hill, Coalville, LE67 1TD
  • Bardon Road, Bardon Hill, Coalville, LE67 1TD
  • Jurgens Road, Off London Road, Essex, RM19 1UA
  • Unit 3 SIRFT, Europa Link, Sheffield, S9 1TQ
  • Harrogate Road, Halton East, Skipton, BD23 6AD
  • Holwell Hill, Nunney, Somerset, BA11 4PX

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)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

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

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

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
  • Team working

About this employer

About Holcim

We are leaders in supplying innovative, sustainable building solutions to the UK construction industry; building progress for people and the planet.

Since 1858, we’ve helped shape the UK; powering the construction of homes and hospitals, roads and railways, schools and cities alike.

Our mission is to make sustainable construction a reality, through purposeful action that tackles real carbon and climate challenges. We are dedicated to helping Britain grow and thrive - by doing the right thing, doing it together, and making a difference.

https://www.holcim.co.uk/careers/early-careers (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Competitive salary plus bonus scheme
  • Free 24/7 remote GP service for you and your household
  • Opportunities for career progression in the UK and internationally
  • Access to the Women Empowered – Stronger Together mentoring programme
  • Employee-led diversity and inclusion networks and affinity groups
  • Supportive and inclusive working environment
  • Strong focus on employee health, safety and wellbeing

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you'll have the skills, experience and nationally recognised qualification to progress into a Laboratory Materials Technician or Materials Testing role within Holcim UK.

As you gain experience, you could progress into roles such as Senior Laboratory Technician, Quality Control Technician, Technical Supervisor or Laboratory Manager.

Holcim UK offers opportunities for continued professional development and career progression across the UK and internationally, helping you build a long-term career in materials testing, quality assurance and sustainable construction.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059738.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Friday 20 November 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.