Apprentice Innovation Technologist

Summary

The Vita Group is offering a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven individual to join our Innovation Team in Accrington as an Apprentice Innovation Technician.

Wage

£20,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Up to £25,000

Training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Monday to Thursday, 8.30am - 5.15pm. Friday, 8.30am - 3.00pm.

37 hours 45 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

4 years

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

Are you passionate about science and ready to turn your curiosity into a career? At The Vita Group, we’re offering an exciting opportunity for an aspiring scientist to join our Innovation Team as an Apprentice Innovation Technician.

What’s in it for you?

This role combines full-time, hands-on experience with funded academic study, allowing you to work toward a Level 6 Apprenticeship and gain a BSc Honours degree while earning a salary. It’s the ideal route if you’re keen to get started in the lab and build a strong career foundation in chemistry and materials science.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Supporting the development of innovative polyurethane foam products.
Producing and testing foams using bench-top and pilot plant equipment.
Developing a deep understanding of polyurethane chemistry and its applications.
Analysing competitor and customer samples to support product development.
Maintaining accurate records and helping to update standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Liaising with production teams and contributing to technical discussions.
Promoting health, safety, and compliance in the lab.

Who We’re Looking For:

A self-motivated individual with a strong interest in science or engineering.
Enthusiastic, hands-on, and eager to learn new skills.
Able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Competent in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

Why Vita?

We’re driven by a purpose to create comfort, deliver performance, and enhance everyday life. Our values—Safety, Integrity, Responsibility, Resourcefulness, and Innovation guide everything we do. Join a business where your curiosity is encouraged, and your growth supported.

Where you'll work

Broad Oak Works
Broad Oak
Accrington
BB5 2BS

Training

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

College or training organisation

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

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

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

Requirements

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
Team working
Creative
Initiative

About this company

The Vita Group is a leading provider of value-added and differentiated flexible polyurethane (“PU”) foam products. Built on 75 years of heritage, Vita develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of flexible polyurethane foam, Talalay latex and flooring products to create comfort, quality and functional solutions for our customers. Across our five business divisions – Finished Mattress, Furniture and Bedding, Industrial and Specialty, Mobility, Flooring, the Vita Group manufactures sustainable foam product solutions for industries including: automotive, aviation and rail, building and construction, furniture and bedding, sports and leisure, and consumer packaging

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

After this apprenticeship

Innovation Technologist, Technical Manager.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000324696.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 12 July 2025

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

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