Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Sun Chemical

SUN CHEMICAL LIMITED

Rochdale (OL16 4LE)

Closes in 20 days (Monday 20 October 2025)

Posted on 29 September 2025

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Summary

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Apprentice Laboratory Technician to join our innovative Research and Development team and play a key role in supporting experimental work and laboratory procedures. In this role, you will assist technologists and chemists in preparing and testing samples and maintaining equipment,

• Wage:

  £20,815 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Starting salary of £20,815/year (Increasing to at least NMW after first 12 months)

• Training course: Laboratory technician (level 3)
• Hours: Workings hours are 37.5 hours per week Flexitime 7:30am - 6pm with core hours of 10am - 2pm

  37 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 27 October 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

• Assist Technologists and Chemists with experimental work and laboratory procedures
• Prepare and test laboratory scale samples of inks, coatings and intermediates to defined standards
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment and materials in line with SunCare safety principles and policies
• Document experimental processes and results accurately in lab notebooks and databases
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and solve technical challenges
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions
• Maintain a clean and organised laboratory workspace

Where you'll work

Elizabethan Way
Newhey
Rochdale
OL16 4LE

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

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

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 Sun Chemical who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 / C +)
• Maths (grade 4 / C +)
• Science (grade 4 / C +)

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

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

About this employer

Beginning with the inspiring legacy of Lorilleux and Samuel Morrill in the early 1800’s, Sun Chemical has delivered over 200 years of color expertise, innovative technology and an ongoing commitment to quality and service for our customers. A member of the DIC Group, Sun Chemical is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical’s 21,000+ employees are continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. Spread across 17 research and development centers worldwide, we’ve been granted over 3,000 patents and are determined to deliver the solutions you need.

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

Company benefits

Flexitime 7:30am - 6pm with core hours of 10am - 2pm Company pension scheme Death in service scheme Regular training and CPD opportunities Access to discount portal Cycle to work scheme Closed between Christmas and New Year

After this apprenticeship

When you join Sun Chemical, 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.

Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory 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 program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it's the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (primary and secondary), biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services, or educational institutions, the doors are wide open.

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 Applied Chemical Science.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

John Proctor

john.proctor@tiro.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000344265.

Apply now

Closes in 20 days (Monday 20 October 2025)

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