Process Scientist Technician Apprenticeship

FCC RECYCLING (UK) LIMITED

Leeds (LS9 0PJ)

Closes in 25 days (Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 6 October 2026


Summary

Train as a Level 5 Technician Scientist while earning a salary. This hands-on apprenticeship combines practical site operations, waste treatment, sampling, testing and plant maintenance with structured scientific training. Ideal for candidates with a science background who enjoy problem-solving, teamwork and working in a physical environment

Wage

£19,656 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Year 2 £10.85/Hr = £23,696

Year 3 £12.71/Hr = £27,759

(second year salary will be equivilant to national minimum wage for apprentice age)

Training course
Technician scientist (level 5)
Hours
42 hour Paid lunch 8am-5pm After 18month - 2 years a shift pattern will be given including night shift. (potential request for sooner shifts).

42 hours a week

Start date

Monday 2 November 2026

Duration

3 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 Duties & Responsibilities

  • Complete a 36-month Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship, combining workplace learning with formal scientific training.
  • Carry out hands-on operational tasks including loading, unloading and moving materials around the site safely.
  • Operate and monitor industrial waste treatment processes using specialist plant and computerised systems.
  • Collect samples, conduct routine testing and assist with the analysis of materials and processes.
  • Carry out routine inspections, maintenance and servicing of plant and equipment, including using basic hand tools such as spanners and wrenches.
  • Undertake physical and manual duties, including housekeeping, equipment checks and manual handling activities across the site.
  • Accurately record test results, operational data and site documentation in line with company procedures.
  • Follow all Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality (SHEQ) procedures, ensuring PPE and overalls are worn at all times.
    Work both independently and as part of a team to support the safe and efficient running of the site.
  • Work flexibly to meet operational requirements, including ad-hoc shift work and a formal shift pattern after approximately 18 months.

Where you'll work

Sycamore House
Knowsthorpe Lane
Leeds
LS9 0PJ

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

Technician scientist (level 5)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
  • Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
  • Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
  • Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
  • Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
  • Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
  • Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
  • Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
  • Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
  • Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
  • Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
  • Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
  • Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.
  • Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
  • Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
  • Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
  • Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
  • Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
  • Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
  • Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
  • Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
  • Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
  • Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
  • Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
  • Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
  • Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.

Training schedule

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

Chemistry (grade Pass)

Desirable qualifications

BTEC in:

Applied Science (grade Pass)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Physical fitness

Other requirements

Working towards a full UK driving licence.

About this employer

FCC Environment helps keep Leeds clean by managing waste responsibly and promoting recycling and sustainability.

Company benefits

  • Paid lunch
  • On-site parking
  • Fully funded level 5 scientist apprenticeship 
  • PPE & overalls provided
  • Career progression opportunity

After this apprenticeship

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

Full-time position following completion of apprenticeship. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE S&A TRANSFORM GROUP LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000057552.

Apply now

Closes in 25 days (Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:59pm)