Structural Testing Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - FIRA International – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

FIRA International are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualifications through our Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.

Wage

£22,293 a year

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Salary increases to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if applicable

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, between 8am – 4pm. 1 hour lunch break.

35 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 10 June 2025

Duration

1 year 8 months

Positions available

2

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

Ensure that test items are correctly handled, stored and conditioned.
All test preparation (e.g. cutting, sizing, labelling and affixing) to be in accordance with standards and procedure.
Enter and update all job status on testing system as required.
Conduct all tests to recognised test standard, methodology, FIRA procedures, UKAS and general quality requirements.
Correctly set up, monitor and measure each test, recording all relevant data.
Ensure that test results are accurately recorded and collated.
Produce draft and submit written reports in the correct format.
Understand and apply relevant standards for each test and keep abreast of any developments in standards.
Be prepared to assist in any test area and learn additional skills as directed.
Assist in calibration and maintenance of equipment where necessary.
Assist in accepting all testing deliveries, sign for and book in samples, mark up and ensure located correctly.
Responsible for health and safety issues within own work area.
Observe all health and safety regulations and ensure good housekeeping and PPE.

Where you'll work

Unit 3
Cockerell Close
Stevenage
SG1 2NB

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

Laboratory technician (level 3)

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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

Your training plan

Over 20 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week for ‘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 FIRA International 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.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4 / C)
Maths (grade 4 / C)
Science (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
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative
Patience

Other requirements

Due to the nature and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+ and be able to undertake some manual handling/heavy lifting. You must also be able to reliably commute to site within 45 minutes.

About this company

FIRA International, part of the Element Group, specialises in providing a comprehensive range of independent testing, inspection, certification, technical and training services to the furniture industry. We exist to help our customers to make certain that their materials, products, systems and operations are safe, quality, compliant and ultimately fit for purpose. FIRA International’s ergonomics team offer consultancy, testing and research services across all sectors of the furniture industry, and during all stages of production from initial prototypes to established products.

https://www.fira-international.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Life assurance scheme. Legal & General Pension Scheme. Cycle to work scheme. Free onsite refreshments. Recommend a friend bonus. Perks at Work discount scheme. Regular training and CPD opportunities.

After this apprenticeship

There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with FIRA International. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position with the business at the end of your apprenticeship.

Through practical ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career. You can look forward to a range of potential career paths, including research & development! There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who hold this crucial testing experience, used in various sectors!

This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in testing, with the added opportunity to become a registered Technician (RSci Tech). This enables you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

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

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