Laboratory Scientist (Materials) Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) - BBA
BRITISH BOARD OF AGREMENT
Watford, Garston (WD25 9BA)
Closes in 19 days (Tuesday 2 September 2025)
Posted on 13 August 2025
Contents
Summary
BBA is pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualification through our Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Materials) Apprenticeship.
- Wage
-
£20,000 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Wage will increase after a year to the National Minimum Wage/Living Wage (where applicable).
- Training course
- Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, Flexible working hours (start times are 7.00am - 9.30am) Shifts to be confirmed.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 29 September 2025
- Duration
-
2 years 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
- Assist with and progressively carry out tests and report results in accordance with specified procedures
- Work with the Team Manager and colleagues to clarify assigned tests and program work to meet requested report dates
- Assist with equipment calibration, maintenance and development as necessary
- Advise and highlight progress and problems to Team Manager to indicate potential failures of a product
- Provide information on which test time estimates can be based
- Assist and develop knowledge of calibration duties relevant to tests
- Assist Test Technicians in the set-up, installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling of test equipment and facilities.
- Prepare samples for test, as required by testing staff
- Assist with keeping the laboratory, buildings and yard areas clean and tidy (requires operation of handling equipment such as cranes - training provided)
- Assist the Test Support Supervisor in the execution of his duties and to deputise for him in his absence
- General labour, for example, demolishing test walls
Where you'll work
BBA Test
BRE Innovation Park
Bucknall Lane
Watford, Garston
WD25 9BA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
TIRO TRAINING LTD
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.
Training schedule
Materials science technologist (degree) Level 6 (Degree with honours) Apprenticeship Standard:
- Over 33 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation
- You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments
- You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at Arcania Apothecary who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4 / C +)
- Maths (grade 4 / C +)
- Science (grade 4 / C +)
Desirable qualifications
A Level in:
T Level in:
BTEC in:
- Applied Science (grade Pass - Distinction)
- Engineering (grade Pass - Distinction)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
Full UK driving license is required due to the nature and location of this position.
About this employer
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) drives industry safety by providing services that help clients create accountability and mitigate risk. Since 1966, the BBA has built its position as an independent certification body in the Construction and Civil Engineering industries. We have a rich heritage of expertise and skill, as well as rigorous and robust processes and procedures which equip us with an acute focus on construction innovation of the future. Through extensive product and system research, testing and certification, auditing, and inspection, the BBA helps to instil confidence throughout the construction and manufacturing supply chain in both the UK and Global marketplaces.
https://www.bbacerts.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (increases to 30 days after 5 years) Company pension (BBA 6%/Employee 5%) with salary exchange Life Assurance (4x annual salary) Health cash plan Electric car scheme with salary exchange
After this apprenticeship
There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with BBA. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term.
Through ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career. At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll achieve a Bachelor of Science (BSci) in Applied Materials Sciences.
Hard work and determination will be recognised!
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TIRO TRAINING LTD
Emily Rankin
emily.rankin@tiro.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000336979.
Apply now
Closes in 19 days (Tuesday 2 September 2025)
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After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.