Science Apprenticeship - Analytical Research Technologist

BP P.L.C.

Reading (RG8 7QR)

Closes on Wednesday 31 December 2025

Posted on 5 November 2025

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Contents

Summary

The One Science early careers programme provides a range of foundational career experiences and a gateway to an exciting and rewarding career.

Wage

£19,600 a year

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*A generous flexible benefits allowance *£1,500 wellbeing allowance *Annual bonus plan *Option to participate in share plans *A one off settling in allowance of £3,000

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, Shifts to be confirmed Total hours per week: 36.25.

36 hours 15 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

2 years 4 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 an apprentice, you will join our multi-disciplinary team of discipline experts, scientists and technologists. We offer an exceptional working environment to learn and develop your skill set in an on-the-job setting, as well as supporting coordinated learning opportunities in areas such as health and safety.

Working with us you will develop broad analytical laboratory skills, building confidence in providing accurate testing results that address specific project requirements. As your skills develop, you will contribute to meeting technical and research needs, providing outstanding science, delivering routine and bespoke analysis and achieving research goals.

You will spend your time in real working environments learning tangible skills whilst gaining a laboratory technician qualification.

Skills and Knowledge Development Areas:

  • Working safely in a laboratory environment, maintaining excellent housekeeping standards, appreciating workplace risks, and meeting regulatory compliance through following appropriate safety, environment, and risk management systems.
  • Understanding and following procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace and safely operating analytical equipment.
  • Demonstrating technical skills in the use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required.
  • Planning and preparing for laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques and methodologies.
  • Producing reliable and accurate data, and where required, keep detailed records of laboratory work undertaken and results.
  • Analysing, interpreting, and evaluating data using a range of computational modelling software. Understanding and applying statistical techniques for data presentation.
  • Communicating scientific information appropriately, including the sharing of results with the wider team and the use of the global laboratory information management systems.
  • Recognising problems and applying appropriate scientific methods to identify root causes and achieve solutions.

Where you'll work

Technology Centre
Whitchurch Hill
Pangbourne
Reading
RG8 7QR

Training

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

Training provider

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

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

  • The research technologist apprenticeship will complete a two-year level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship course, leading to either a BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science or a Level 4 HNC, depending on your previous academic attainment. Laboratory technician / Skills England. For which the provider is likely to be CSR, however, this may be subject to change. Level 3 Laboratory Technician - CSR Group Scientific Training

  • The formal learning will be a combination of online and in person.
  • A minimum of 6 hours of your working time will be protected for formal learning.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English, Maths & Science (grade 4)

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
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working

Other requirements

Candidates who wish to complete the level 4 HNC will also need to have A level Chemistry at grade C / BTEC Applied Science at Merit (32 UCAS points) Applicants with a relevant level 3 apprenticeship qualification will also be considered

About this employer

bp is a global company that offers a world of opportunities for professionals as well as those starting out in their career. We’re guided by our purpose and ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and help the world get there too. What does this mean for you? It means you can expect purposeful work, world-class training and the flexibility to realize your full potential. Not to mention the chance to join a company committed to delivering more sustainable energy for all. Ready to crack on? Your perfect job match awaits.

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

After this apprenticeship

There may be an opportunity to apply for a permanent role with bp.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000349735.

Apply now

Closes on Wednesday 31 December 2025

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