Construction Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Quartz Scientific

Quartz Scientific

St Albans (AL2 2DR)

Closes in 30 days (Monday 23 February 2026)

Posted on 23 January 2026

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Summary

Reporting directly to the laboratory manager, you’ll assist with the preparation and testing of a wide range of construction materials such as concrete, aggregates, mortar, and paint. As a UKAS accredited laboratory, quality is at the heart of everything we do. 

• Wage:

  £18,500 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months, if applicable)

• Training course: Laboratory technician (level 3)
• Hours: Typical workings hours are 40 hours per week (9:00am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, half an hour for lunch). If the workload dictates, working hours can be requested anytime between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Weekend overtime, as necessary.

  40 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 9 March 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 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

• Sample preparation.
• Chemical analyses such as titrations, gravimetric analyses, use of ion selective electrodes and spectroscopy in accordance with accredited methods and quality procedures. Training is given internally on each method and technique as the requirement arises. 
• Preparation of reagents, standards, and glassware.  
• Data input - booking in samples and general administration of the sample throughput. 
• Ensure all safety and quality standards are met. 
• Ad hoc duties as required. 

Where you'll work

Unit 6 Park Industrial Estate
Frogmore
St Albans
AL2 2DR

Training

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

Training provider

TIRO TRAINING LTD

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

Over 18 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship.

You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Quartz Scientific who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 / C +)
• Maths (grade 4 / C +)
• Science (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

• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative

Other requirements

Please note, due to the nature, location and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+, hold a full driving license and access to your own car.

About this employer

Quartz Scientific has over 30 years’ experience as an independent UKAS accredited laboratory providing chemical analysis and consultancy to the construction industry. Services provided include tests for aggregates, paint, gypsum plasters and water for concrete. 

We are a hard-working team, whose laboratory provides its services to construction projects of all scales, in both the public and private sectors, within the Greater London area and beyond. 

Technological advances in the industry and the requirement during restoration of historical buildings to use identical materials continue to make demands on the analysis of samples and the interpretation of results. Established in 1991 and UKAS accredited in 1995, Quartz Scientific has the depth of knowledge and experience to keep pace with these changes and they continue to occur. 

Company benefits

• 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays). 
• Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Company pension scheme.
• Regular training and CPD opportunities.

After this apprenticeship

When you join Quartz Scientific, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.

Through practical, on-the-job training, you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors.

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000010313.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Monday 23 February 2026)

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