Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Wainwright – Find an apprenticeship

Summary

Through practical training on the job, you'll acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory materials testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

Wage

£19,000 a year

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Salary increases to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if aged 18+

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm With 1hr unpaid lunch break.

40 hours a week

Start date

Friday 1 August 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

As you start your journey, you will play a key role in checking the quality of our product and making improvements. In this Apprentice role you will gain experience talking to customers and your technical team as well as other departments.

Each day you’ll be learning something new and will be supported by a fantastic team. As a member of the Wainwright family, you will gain experience in multiple activities within the business, developing skills and achieving learning aims so that by the end of your programme, you can confidently support the team in operating an efficient department.

Product sampling and testing
Undertaking basic maintenance and product inspections to make sure quality standards are being met
Record keeping and tracking data
Helping to keep the working environment maintained and safe, maintaining our high site standards
Investigating customer complaints with management

Where you'll work

Moons Hill Quarry Mendip Road Stoke St Michael
Radstock
BA3 5JU

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)

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

Over 21 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 Igne 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

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
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Analytical skills
Team working

Other requirements

Due to the nature of the responsibilities, candidates must hold a valid UK driving license and be aged 18+.

About this company

John Wainwright and Company Ltd have a long and proud history, which we celebrate throughout our business. Our past tells us where we’ve come from, and where we’re headed. We honour our heritage, build on it and embrace the future. We operate Moons Hill Quarry, which is the only basalt quarry in the area, and produce premium-quality basalt known for its durability and skid-resistance. We serve the construction industry, local authorities and National Highways, providing a comprehensive range of services and materials for infrastructure projects!

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

Company benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to buy an extra 5 days) Company pension Health Cash Plan Gym Membership Scheme Training & Development Opportunities Company pension scheme Regular training and CPD opportunities

After this apprenticeship

When you join Wainwright, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship, going on to explore a career in quality, data management, auditing, or supervisory roles, to name just a few!

Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory materials testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Bioscience or Applied Chemical Science.

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