Academy Apprentice Plating Lab Technician

Summary

You will support the analysis and control of chemical processes with barrel and reel-to-reel plating operations, and in the effluent treatment plant. You will ensure plating baths are properly maintained and compliant with operational and environmental standards. This role provides a foundation in lab techniques, chemical analysis, process control.

Wage

£17,000 a year

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Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 4.30pm and Friday, 8.00am - 3.30pm

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

1 year 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

Carry out routine chemical analysis of plating baths to monitor concentration and contamination levels
Assist in the adjustment of chemical solutions based on test results and process needs
Support the operation and analysis requirements of the effluent treatment plant
Work with production staff to ensure plating processes remain within specification
Maintain accurate records of chemical usage, test results, and corrective actions
Calibrate and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment.
Comply with health, safety, and environmental guidelines relating to chemicals and laboratory work
Assist in lab audits and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Where you'll work

Fitzherbert Road
Portsmouth
PO6 1RT

Training

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

College or training organisation

HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE

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

As an Apprentice, you will have the opportunity to study the following through this Apprenticeship:

Apprenticeship in Laboratory Technician
BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science

This apprenticeship requires a one day a week day release at the South Downs College campus. This will be discussed with you upon appointment.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 5)
Maths (grade 5)
Science (grade 5)

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
Presentation skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience
Interest in Chemistry
Interest in Lab Work
Interest in Manufacturing

Other requirements

Whilst this is a Lab based role an interest in Engineering is essential as the role will include Engineering aspects.

About this company

Harwin plc is a Portsmouth based manufacturing company specialising in the innovative design and production of electrical/electronic components. Our products are distributed worldwide through our network of partners in Europe, Asia and the US. We offer breadth and depth of expertise in such markets as distribution, industrial and instrumentation, medical, military, aerospace, automotive and telecommunications.

https://www.harwin.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Competitive Salary 25 days holiday plus bank/public hols Additional 3 days off over the festive period Employee Assistance Programme Company pension scheme Life Cover 3x salary Company Bonus Scheme

After this apprenticeship

A long term career with Harwin with multiple role opportunities as the company continues to develop

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