Apprentice QC Analyst / Chemist

STEPHENSON GROUP LTD

LEEDS (LS18 5PU)

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 14 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 28 August 2025

Print

Contents

Summary

We are seeking a enthusiastic, motivated, and detail-oriented individual to join our growing team. You will be trained to complete a range of in-line and final testing activities. You will have an interest in chemistry and a passion to learn. Once trained your working day may look like below and you will be supported in chemistry related courses.

Wage

£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Working hours to be confirmed at interview.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 15 September 2025

Duration

2 years 3 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

  • Final Testing - Responsible for carrying out and supporting production in line and final testing
  • In-spec Products - Work with the Shift Managers to ensure correct chemical adjustments are made to promote in-spec products
  • KPI’s - To achieve all designated KPI’s
    Work to support improved First Time Pass Rate improvements and reduce number of adjustments
  • Planning Reviews - To carry out weekly planning reviews with the Shift Manager
  • Specification Testing - Support all production testing to ensure it reaches specification
  • Continuous Improvement - Support operatives with development and coach yellow belt continuous improvement projects
  • The ability to identify and drive continuous improvement opportunities, an analytical thinker with people skills
  • Be driven and motivated to achieve targets in line with QC deadlines with a desire and passion for finding creative and logical solutions and long term solutions and partnerships between Stephenson and our customers
  • To show great project management skills and understand the different engagement styles needed between presenting to the Leadership Team or working with our production teams
  • To demonstrate great communication skills, and with an analytical mind, you’ll be able to digest data and reach conclusions

Where you'll work

BROOKFOOT HOUSE
LOW LANE
HORSFORTH
LEEDS
LS18 5PU

Training

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

Training provider

LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP

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

Training schedule

  • Laboratory Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • Training will be 1 day per week studying at Leeds City College
  • 4 days per week working full-time at Stephenson Group

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 6)
  • Maths (grade 6)
  • Science (grade 6)

A Level in:

Science (grade B)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

We are Stephenson, one of the world’s leading innovators and manufacturers of solid format and sustainable ingredients. We’ve been working through generations to get the ingredients just right. Our heritage is important, but it doesn’t define us. We’re a forward thinking, innovative company, discreetly helping customers disrupt markets all over the world. We’re a manufacturing business passionate about people and the relationships they build.

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

After this apprenticeship

  • A full-time position is highly likely upon completion of this apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000339152.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 14 September 2025 at 11:59pm)

Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.