Laboratory Technician Apprentice
SPECIALIST MICROWAVE SOLUTIONS LTD
Cranfield Technology Park (MK43 0AZ)
Closes in 22 days (Friday 12 June 2026)
Posted on 20 May 2026
Contents
Summary
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity within the engineering and manufacturing world? If you are, then look no further!
- Wage
-
£15,808 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Thursday 8.00am - 6.00pm and Friday 8.00am - 1.00pm.
38 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 13 July 2026
- Duration
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3 years 6 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
Specialist Microwave Solutions Ltd (SMS Ltd) is a UK-based company in Cranfield, near Junction 13 of the M1 in Bedfordshire specialising in the design, manufacture, and support of advanced microwave components and subsystems for aerospace, defence, telecommunications, and industrial markets.
In this role you will be responsible for testing, instrument calibration, analysing, and documenting data to ensure products meet standards for the Aerospace and Defence Industry. The work requires focusing on precision, data recording, testing, investigation and repair.
Some experience soldering, working under a microscope, a good level of manual dexterity or working with small hand tools would be an asset.
The ability to read, interpret and precisely follow work instructions and technical documents is essential as is strong attention to detail. Set up instruments, record data and analyse results using specialised software and scientific instruments.
Previous experience in a similar environment is preferred but not essential as full training will be given to the right candidate.
Where you'll work
Derwent House
Cranfield Technology Park
MK43 0AZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BEDFORD COLLEGE
Training course
Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
- Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
- Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
- Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
- Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
- Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
- Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
- Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
- Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
- Follow standard operating procedures.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
- Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Apply team working principles.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
- Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
- Carry out and record learning and development activities.
- Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
- Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
- Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
- Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
- Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
- Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
- Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
- Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
- Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
- Produce job specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
- Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
- Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
- Follow standard operating procedures.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
- Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
- Apply continuous improvement techniques.
- Apply team working principles.
- Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
- Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
- Carry out and record learning and development activities.
- Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
Training schedule
Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship standard.
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths if required.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
- English (grade 3/D)
- maths (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
- methodical
- Willing to learn
- Attention to detail
Other requirements
Please consider your transport links to get to both the employers location and the college.
Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team at Dunstable College, if they meet the initial criteria as part of the recruitment process.
Only Candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered.
Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.
About this employer
Design, manufacture and repair of microwave components and assemblies
After this apprenticeship
Advance from entry-level/assistant roles to Lead Technician, Lab Supervisor, or Laboratory Manager.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BEDFORD COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000032795.
Apply now
Closes in 22 days (Friday 12 June 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.