Laboratory Technician (Chemistry) Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) - BYK Additives – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

BYK can offer you a great many benefits. In detail: a wide, diverse range of assignments promoting potential personal development, an excellent atmosphere for realizing your own ideas, constructive open-mindedness towards new trends and modes of thought, and an appealing salary structure.

Wage

£20,451.60 a year

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Starting salary is £20,451.60 - £24,971.40 (depending on age)

Training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Hours

8 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

2 years 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

The successful apprentice will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations and production processes.
Carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
Prepare samples.
Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example viscometers, conductivity and pH meters.
Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
Maintain good accurate written records of work carried out.
Record and interpret results to present to senior colleagues.
Use computers and perform mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs.
Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research.
Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner.
Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology required for the sector & job role.

Where you'll work

Moorfield Road
Widnes
WA8 3AA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Your training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.

Your training plan

Over 33 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation.

You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments.

You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at BYK Additives Ltd who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

Science (grade 4 / C)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4 / C)
Maths (grade 4 / C)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working

Other requirements

Please note, due to the nature of this role, you must be aged 18+ and be able to reliable commute to work within 45 minutes.

About this company

BYK Additives & Instruments is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments. Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as rheology, scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives. The coatings, inks and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK additives. BYK additives improve final product characteristics and production processes in other fields such as the oil & gas industry and manufacture of personal care, adhesive, sealant and construction products. The site, at Moorfield Road, Widnes, has been the home of inorganic chemical manufacture, since 1923 and currently employs more than 100 people. Today the company is the biggest division within the ALTANA Group (www.altana.com) and employs around 2,200 people worldwide.

https://www.byk.com/en/company-news/company-information (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Flexible working hours once settled into the role 25 days annual plus bank holidays Pension Regular training and CPD opportunities

After this apprenticeship

This programme is designed to enable existing team members or new recruits to develop the knowledge skills, and behaviours needed to fulfil their vital role. Once you’ve qualified, you’ll be eligible to join the Register of Science Technicians (RSciTech) through an appropriate industry body.

This apprenticeship offers an exceptional platform for you to enhance your leadership skills and take on more significant responsibilities. As you progress, you'll find avenues to further develop your leadership acumen, fostering your ability to guide and inspire teams. Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior technician and management roles.

Furthermore, an exciting prospect within this role lies in the potential transition to the Research & Development department. This department specializes in conducting tailored in-house testing, presenting you with a unique chance to immerse yourself in cutting-edge processes and innovation.

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will be recognised!

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