Apprentice Lab Technician

SHIRLEY TECHNOLOGIES LTD

Manchester (M17 1EH)

Closes on Tuesday 1 September 2026

Posted on 24 June 2026

Print

Contents

Summary

We are recruiting two Laboratory Technician Apprentices to join our established apprenticeship programme, starting in September. You'll gain hands-on experience across Industrial Materials, Chemistry, Calibration and PPE, rotating through each area in six-month placements over a two-year programme.

Wage

£17,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Shifts to be confirmed

37 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 2 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

  • Assist with routine calibration and measurement checks on laboratory equipment and instrumentation
  • Support the accurate recording of calibration activities and results in line with ISO 17025 and internal procedures
  • Help maintain calibration documentation and records under supervision 

PPE Laboratory Technician Apprentice:

  • Assist with routine Laboratory duties to support the day-to-day operation of the PPE Laboratory
  • Carry out basic Laboratory testing on PPE, including washing, strength testing, hydrostatic head testing, flame testing, burst testing and other physical and fire performance tests
  • Help maintain consumables, including checking logs and reporting any low stock levels
  • Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues to ensure testing is completed correctly 

Industrial Materials (Geosynthetics) Apprentice:

  • Assist with mechanical and hydraulic testing of geosynthetic and industrial materials in accordance with standard test methods and internal SOPs
  • Carry out basic instrument checks and routine maintenance activities
  • Support the maintenance of quality system records, procedures, and documentation
  • An interest in Geosynthetics / experience is much preferred

Chemistry Laboratory Apprentice:

  • Assist with sample preparation, wet chemistry, and extraction techniques for textiles and related products
  • Support laboratory activities leading to instrumental analysis using techniques such as ICP-MS, UV-VIS, GC-MS, and LC-MS
  • Carry out basic instrument maintenance and calibration checks under supervision
  • Maintain accurate laboratory and quality system records

Where you'll work

Unit 6
Wheel Forge Way, Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1EH

Training

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

Training provider

THE S&A TRANSFORM GROUP 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

  • Enrolment onto the 18 month Laboratory Technician Level 3 apprenticeship programme 
  • Structured on-the-job training across calibration, materials testing, and chemistry laboratories 
  • Ongoing mentoring and supervision from experienced laboratory staff 
    Gradual progression to more complex tasks as competence and confidence develop within each laboratory area 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)
  • 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
  • Organisation skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

To be considered for this opportunity, candidates should meet the following criteria: 

  • A minimum of Grade C / 4 or above in Science at GCSE or equivalent (school or college level)
  • GCSE English and maths at Grade C / 4 or above (or willingness to work towards these as part of the apprenticeship)
  • A genuine interest in science, laboratory work, and technical environments
  • Strong attention to detail and a willingness to follow procedures accurately
  • Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • A positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to learning and development

No prior laboratory experience is required; however, any previous exposure to laboratory environments would be advantageous, as full training will be provided through the Laboratory Technician Level 3 apprenticeship programme. 

About this employer

With over a century of experience in textiles and related products, the organisation is a leading independent provider specialising in testing, certification, auditing, and training. Its work focuses on areas including Personal Protective Equipment, Construction Products, and textile testing and certification, alongside analytical, investigative, and expert witness services.

Operating across ten countries, the organisation supports clients in over 70 countries, with multiple laboratories in the UK and internationally, as well as offices throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and the USA.

Company benefits

  • 25 days holiday
  • Competitive salary & Bonus Scheme
  • Flexi-time system
  • Health Cover
  • Contributory Pension Scheme 

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • To be confirmed by employer

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE S&A TRANSFORM GROUP LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000038250.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 1 September 2026