Chemical Waste Operative Apprentice (Level 5) - Augean – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

This role is a great opportunity for anyone with a keen interest in Chemistry or Environmental Science. If you have the passion to learn and desire to build a long term career in a new industry, then we want to speak to you!

Wage

£20,631 a year

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Salary increases to National Minimum/Living Wage after first 12 months Overtime pay also available

Training course

Technician scientist (level 5)

Hours

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8am- 5pm

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

2 years 4 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

Augean 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 5 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.

In this role, you will provide expertise and guidance to customers and sales staff, and ensure company compliance with all statutory legislation, the operations’ licences and permits. You will also process hazardous waste enquiries and support site waste operations in the chemist function, accepting wastes and working within the operations team.

Proactively support and embed a generative safety culture
Liaise with the sales and administration team regarding waste streams to enable rapid turnaround of assessments and resolution of queries in a commercial environment
Provide efficient and timely management of waste stream enquiries and technical queries using reference manuals and the internet to determine categorization of wastes according to current legislation, ensuring safe and appropriate treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes
Review and monitor waste compliance data, providing technical input on the resolution of compliance issues
Keep abreast of regulatory developments and Environment Agency guidance and assess how they may affect the company’s operations
Provide support/cover for operational waste aspects, including acceptance, processing, and reporting
Contribute to the presentation and support sales in the IQ and formal quotation process
Assist with or carry out specific projects as necessary
Undertake specific tasks as per business requirements
Maintain continuous professional development and competence for the role
Provide IS operator duties as and when required

Where you'll work

Unit 2
Bessemer Way
Great Yarmouth
NR31 0LX

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

Technician scientist (level 5)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.
Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.

Your training plan

Over 28 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 Augean 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.

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!

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

A Level in:

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
Analytical skills
Logical
Initiative
Physical fitness

Other requirements

Please note, because of the nature and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+, be able to reliably commute to site within 45 minutes and some heavy lifting may be required. You must hold a relevant A level (Chemistry) and/or previous experience of working in the chemical industry.

About this company

Augean is a leading waste management company that provides services across several industries in the UK. In 2023, Augean acquired Future Industrial Services, expanding its capabilities in industrial cleaning, decommissioning, and decontamination for Energy, Petrochemical, Manufacturing, Utilities, and Cement customers throughout England and Wales. With expertise across Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, Construction, Nuclear, Processing, Manufacturing, and Oil and Gas sectors, Augean is strategically positioned to deliver innovative commercial and compliance solutions in complex, regulated markets. The group offers a comprehensive range of waste services including reuse, recycling, recovery, treatment, transfer, disposal, and specialist industrial services.

https://www.augean.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Front Line Bonus Scheme 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays 1 day in lieu to be used every month Occasional out of hours working available if desired Regular training and CPD opportunities including ADR qualifications and HGV License

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 knowledge and experience in the industrial chemical waste industry, as well as your leadership skills. As you progress, you'll find avenues to further develop your leadership acumen, fostering your ability to guide and inspire teams. Successful apprentices will be offered a permanent position with Augean!

Furthermore, an exciting prospect within this role lies in the potential transition to permanent roles as Laboratory Chemist, Site Chemist, Technical Assessor, Business Development and Site Management.

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

Ask a question

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