Laboratory Technician Apprentice - Fire Assay Specialist

ALS Inspection (UK) Ltd

Prescot (L34 9HP)

Closes on Friday 12 June 2026

Posted on 11 May 2026

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Summary

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with a passion for science. As part of the ALS team, you will be working within one of the most respected assay laboratories in the world. You will be testing a wide range of metals, ores and commodities using a wide variety of classical and modern techniques.

Wage

£22,500 a year

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Shift allowance when training is completed

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday shift pattern 6.00am to 2.00pm and 1.30pm - 9.30pm alternate weeks. Flexible for training days.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

2

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

The Role will be based in our Fire assay department, with training covering every aspect from preparation of concentrates and ores to finalisation of results. We will provide in depth training at each stage with opportunities for research projects to support continuous improvement. This will give successful candidates not just skills, but a full and thorough understanding of the Fire assay process.

Position duties:

  • Understand why/how we prepare samples for analysis, from concentrates
  • Matrix match samples to required testing methods and regents, using historical Data and XRF scans
  • Preparing samples for analysis including weighing and moisture determination
  • Fire assay techniques including fluxing, fusion, cupellating and parting of samples
  • Performing volumetric and by weight dilutions
  • Analysing samples including utilising basic chemistry techniques, acid digestion, precipitations, and titrations
  • Use analytical methodology for preparation of samples for ICP-OES and XRF analysis
  • Use modern analytical instrumentation such as ICP-OES and XRF to analyse samples
  • Completing laboratory write ups and data recording in accordance with internal and regulatory requirements
  • Data and result entry into LIMS
  • Completing traceability records and adhering to quality policies
  • Performing daily calibrations and checks
  • Ensuring assigned work is carried out in a timely fashion following the relevant procedures
  • Adhere to Health and Safety and Company policies and procedures
  • Comply with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and ensure safe manual handling of chemicals/equipment
  • To report any near-misses or incidents to the line manager

Where you'll work

Caddick Road
Knowsley Business Park
Prescot
L34 9HP

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

You will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' training provider, CSR Scientific Training, which will include: 

  • Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician
  • On-the-job competency training
  • Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science  (if required)

The majority of your learning will be completed online once a week with some face-to-face practical sessions/exams in Birmingham (if BTEC is included).

Upon successful completion, apprentices can apply for professional registration as a Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, with either the Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry or Royal Society of Biology.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

x 5 including Maths, English and Science (grade C/4 or above)

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
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working

Other requirements

  • The work can be of a repetitive nature and will involve standing for long periods
  • Candidates will be working on/around high temperature furnaces over 1000 degrees
  • Blood tests are taken regularly as part of our lead at work policy and is compulsory

About this employer

ALS Inspection is the UK’s leading provider of minerals and commodities testing services. ALS Inspection offers a comprehensive range of high-quality analytical testing and inspection services. Including titration, gravimetric, ICP, and XRF techniques.

https://www.als-testing.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you could be offered a permanent position with ALS

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000026217.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 12 June 2026