Quality and Research and Development Laboratory Technician Apprentice

MONOCON INTERNATIONAL REFRACTORIES LTD

S YORKSHIRE (DN12 4LQ)

Closes in 15 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 29 July 2026

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Summary

Laboratory work for Research and development, as well as quality purposes. General laboratory duties as expected in a small but busy refractories laboratory encompassing materials testing and uses.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
Hours
8am- 5pm Monday to Thursday 8am- 1pm Fridays Day release for study time

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 21 September 2026

Duration

4 years

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

Key Responsibilities:

  • General laboratory duties within a busy manufacturing adjacent laboratory
  • Assistance with quality control and assurance processes
  • Assistance with research and development projects
  • Production environment support as required by the business
  • Upholding high quality standards for both production processes and laboratory activities
  • Safe and appropriate usage of laboratory machinery, equipment and materials, including working with high temperatures and heavy machinery

Tests conducted including but not limited to:

  • Particle size analysis
  • Mixing, drying and firing
  • Porosity determination
  • Firing and drying tests
  • Mechanical properties testing (CCS, CMOR, HMOR)
  • Abrasion testing
  • Entering data and maintaining data integrity, use of computer equipment and computer security

Where you'll work

OLD DENABY
DONCASTER
S YORKSHIRE
DN12 4LQ

Training

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

Training provider

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Training course

Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
  • Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
  • Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
  • Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
  • Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
  • Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
  • Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
  • Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
  • Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
  • Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
  • Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
  • Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
  • Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
  • Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
  • Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
  • Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.

Training schedule

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you’ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

  • Mathematics or a Mathematics-based subject (grade Minimum C)
  • Science or Technology-based subject (grade Minimum C)

BTEC in:

Science or Technology-based subject (grade DMM)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • IT skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Physical fitness
  • Indpendent
  • Trustworthy and Honest

Other requirements

Things to consider:

  • The ability to get to the worksite based in Doncaster via public transport or your own transport
  • Physical ability to lift and handle weights of around 15kg when required
  • The working environment may contain dust and hazardous substances, and sometimes have loud noises
  • PPE will always be provided

About this employer

Working as part of a small, but busy team in the technical department laboratory of a major refractory materials manufacturer based outside Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The ideal candidate would be a driven and ambitious individual with a keen eye for detail.

After this apprenticeship

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

Potential for a wide range of future career paths at Monocon, including product and process development, product management, sales, production management and product support.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045407.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)