Laboratory Manager Apprentice (Level 5) - BST Supplies

B.S.T. SUPPLIES & CO LTD

Wolverhampton (WV10 9ED)

Closes in 29 days (Monday 20 April 2026)

Posted on 19 March 2026


Summary

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Manager L5 Apprentice to join the team and support the effective operation of laboratory and materials testing activities. In this role, you will contribute to maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory processes while supporting testing activities across the organisation.

Training course
Technician scientist (level 5)
Hours
Monday - Thursday 8.00am-4.30pm and Friday 8.00am-4.00pm.

39 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 4 May 2026

Duration

2 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

  • Carry out materials testing, including tensile and impact testing, on production materials where required.
  • Ensure all testing activities follow company quality procedures and relevant ASTM and BS standards.
  • Make sure all materials used for testing are correctly identified and fully traceable using batch or BST reference numbers.
  • Read and interpret technical specifications and accurately record test results in line with customer and international material standards.
  • Conduct mechanical, physical, and visual inspections of raw materials and components to confirm they meet required specifications.
  • Prepare materials and components for metallurgical examination where required.
  • Ensure laboratory testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and safe to use.
  • Record testing information using company systems and produce reports, including logging non-conformances (NCRs).
  • Work with colleagues across departments to resolve testing queries and confirm materials meet product requirements.
  • Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and housekeeping within the laboratory and testing areas.

Where you'll work

Zenith
Ford House Road
Bushbury
Wolverhampton
WV10 9ED

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

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

Over 24 months, you’ll spend a minimum of 6 hours of your working week completing ‘off-the-job’ training. This may include theory-based learning such as virtual workshops and online modules, alongside practical development activities like mentoring, leadership projects, process improvement work, and time dedicated to completing assignments. Together, these activities will contribute towards achieving your Level 5 Laboratory Manager apprenticeship.

You’ll be supported throughout your journey by an expert tutor from Tiro, as well as an experienced workplace mentor at BST Supplies. Together, they will help you develop the technical knowledge, leadership capability, and operational skills needed to effectively manage laboratory environments, lead teams, and drive improvements in safety, compliance, and performance.

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

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

About this employer

BST are based in Wolverhampton - UK where our 'Bespoke'​ components are manufactured on site, our capacity includes hot forging, Heat Treatment, Mechanical Testing, NDT Testing, CNC Machining and PTFE Plating to a wide range of threaded and non threaded components.

http://www.bstsupplies.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Overtime available
  • Company pension scheme
  • Regular training and CPD opportunities

After this apprenticeship

When you join BST Supplies, 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 the leadership, technical, and operational skills needed to manage modern laboratories. You’ll build expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and laboratory operations while gaining the confidence to lead investigations, improve processes, and oversee safe and efficient lab environments. This apprenticeship supports your progression into leadership roles within scientific organisations while strengthening your ability to manage people, systems, and innovation.


This programme opens up a range of career opportunities across industries including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, healthcare, manufacturing, and research organisations. As laboratories become increasingly complex and regulated, skilled laboratory managers are in high demand to ensure compliance, drive innovation, and lead high-performing scientific teams.


The apprenticeship can also support further professional development and recognition within the scientific sector. Learners may choose to work towards professional registration such as Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci), helping to strengthen their professional standing and open doors to more senior leadership roles within laboratory and scientific management.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

John Proctor

john.proctor@tiro.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000021775.

Apply now

Closes in 29 days (Monday 20 April 2026)

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