Labratory Technician Apprenticeship

LABTECH INDUSTRIES LTD

Meltham Lane (S41 7LG)

Closes in 30 days (Thursday 21 May 2026)

Posted on 21 April 2026

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Summary

S41 7LG - A Dental Laboratory Technician Apprentice learns to design, create, and repair dental appliances under the supervision of experienced technicians. These appliances include crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontic devices, and implants. The role combines hands-on craftsmanship, science, and increasingly digital technology (CAD/CAM systems).

Wage

£16,640 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
08:30 - 16:30 with 30-mins lunch, working days TBC

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 June 2026

Duration

1 year

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

Dental Laboratory Technician Apprentice - Job Description (Chesterfield).

Key Responsibilities:

As an apprentice, you’ll gradually take on tasks like:

Laboratory Work:

Assisting in the creation of:

  • Dentures (full and partial)
  • Crowns and bridges
  • Orthodontic appliances (e.g., braces components)
  • Preparing moulds and casts from dental impressions
  • Trimming, shaping, and polishing dental appliances
  • Mixing materials like plaster, acrylic, or ceramics

Digital & Technical Skills:

  • Learning to use CAD/CAM software for designing restorations
  • Operating lab equipment such as 3D printers and milling machines
  • Following precise measurements and technical specifications

Quality & Safety:

  • Maintaining strict hygiene and infection control standards
  • Checking finished appliances for accuracy and quality
  • Following health and safety procedures in the lab

Communication & Organisation:

  • Interpreting prescriptions from dentists
  • Labelling and tracking cases
  • Working to deadlines to meet patient needs

Skills & Qualities Needed:

  • Good manual dexterity and attention to detail
  • Interest in science, design, or healthcare
  • Ability to follow precise instructions
  • Patience and focus
  • Basic IT skills (especially for digital dentistry)
  • Teamwork and communication skills

Working Environment:

  • Based in a dental laboratory (not usually patient facing)
  • Work is often bench-based with tools and digital equipment
  • Typical hours: full-time, Monday - Friday

Career Progression:

After completing the apprenticeship, you can:

Become a qualified Dental Technician

Specialise in areas like:

  • Crown & bridge work
  • Orthodontics
  • Prosthetics (dentures)
  • Move into senior, supervisory, or lab management roles
  • Start your own dental lab business

Where you'll work

Dental Labs
Meltham Lane
S41 7LG

Training

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

Training provider

I & F 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

Laboratory Technician Level 3.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade 4-9)

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
  • Communication skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Organisation skills
  • Patience
  • Team working

About this employer

(Science dental)

After this apprenticeship

Because of the technical experience you will gain from working in a laboratory, you will gain skills which many graduates have yet to develop. If you have practical ability, ability to solve problems and good communication skills there are opportunities for progression towards higher qualifications.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

I & F LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000027604.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Thursday 21 May 2026)

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