Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to become an Apprentice Laboratory Technician working for BD Plymouth. BD are searching for 1 person to join the team and kick start their career!

Wage

£18,000 a year

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Pay will increase to £24,000 after 12 months

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

First two years working Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. Total hours per week: 37.5. Year 3 onwards: Continuous days of 7.00am until 7.00pm. 3 days on 3 days off – basic salary plus 20% shift premium.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

2 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

Correct laboratory technique (dilutions, pipetting,etc.).
Correct sampling and analysis of ‘Goods-In’ reagents according to specific test methodologies.
To complete in-process checks (IPCs) during additive preparations and production runs, communicating effectively with relevant associates.
To ensure all laboratory documentation is kept up-to-date and maintained as per GLP, and ensure all data collated and entered accurately.
To calibrate all laboratory instrumentation, as required by ISO 9002, and complete the relevant documentation (pH meters, refractometer, thermometers, balances, calibrated syringes).
Efficient operation and maintenance of all analytical instrumentation, including troubleshooting issues. (HPLC, AA, UVVIS, FTIR, TOC, ICPMS, ACL300).
To maintain high standards for laboratory cleanliness and safety, as per GLP and GMP in the Chemistry and Additive Laboratories.
How to handle and store chemicals correctly in a safe manner. Ensure adequate stock levels of chemical inventory and how to maintain chemical solutions.
To utilise the laboratory operating systems for data entry, create spreadsheets, and produce detailed project reports when required.
To plan and prepare several different additives as required by production.
Aseptic technique following aseptic handling procedures to maintain the integrity of sterile additives and components.

Where you'll work

Belliver Way, Belliver Industrial Estate
Roborough
Plymouth
Devon
PL6 7BP

Training

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

College or training organisation

CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH

Your training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

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

4 days a week with Employer and 1 day at City College Plymouth.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

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

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
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

About this company

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company develops innovative technology, services and solutions that help advance both clinical therapy for patients and clinical process for health care providers. BD has more than 70,000 employees and a presence in virtually every country around the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to health care. BD Plymouth The Plymouth plant is one of the premier evacuated tube and needle production facilities, making BD Vacutainer® blood collection products for markets across Europe and around the world. BD Plymouth site commenced operation in 1981 with 100 associates manufacturing BD Vacutainer® tubes in a new 250,000 sqft building. In 1988, a second building was added, bringing the manufacturing footprint up to 490,000 sqft. Over the last 40+ years, the operation has grown to over 850 associates. BD Plymouth invites you to become an integral part of a company that makes a difference in human health, saving and improving the lives of people in all corners of the globe. Contribute to a company that gives signiﬁcant time, talent and resources to philanthropic and charitable efforts around the world. BD’s state-of-the-art facilities around the globe provide an environment that enables its highly talented and passionate workforce to be the best at their professions. BD Plymouth is always seeking great people to join the company on its journey to greatness. BD Plymouth is dedicated to attracting and retaining extraordinary contributors. The company offers various initiatives and programmes that enable its associates to grow and develop their careers, receive recognition and rewards for their efforts, and achieve a healthy work-life.

After this apprenticeship

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme it is anticipated that the candidate will be offered a full time permanentm laboratory technician role.

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