Material Science apprentice
SUPERIOR SEALS LIMITED
Dorset (BH21 7SH)
Closes in 9 days (Friday 3 April 2026)
Posted on 24 March 2026
Contents
Summary
At Superior, we stand as a global leader in manufacturing high integrity sealing products. We commit to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in the design, manufacture and supply of o-rings and special mouldings.
- Wage
-
£15,808 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
On site parking
pension
Holiday pay
career progression
Salary reviewed annually
- Training course
- Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday, 8am - 4.30pm.
Tuesday to Friday, 8am - 4.00pm.
38 hours a week
- Start date
-
Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
-
4 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
Apprentices past and current play a huge part in the success of our business and their continual development, which is all sponsored by Superior, provides them with a continual learning journey alongside a fulfilling career whilst earning a salary.
We are fortunate to have our own state-of-the-art Academy on our site in Ferndown led by our own Learning Manager, where we offer apprentices the opportunity to learn on site through practical and theory-based exercises and projects.
The apprenticeship journey begins with apprentices spending their first 6 months in our academy having a structured learning programme which takes them through engineering, manufacturing and material science.
Apprentices then go on a rotational programme, completing placements in different areas which include engineering, manufacturing, material science, customer service, business administration, robotics and automation before settling into a role that suits you. Whilst they do this, they will be continually studying towards a qualification at either level 2, 3, 4 or a degree that suits both the business and individual career aspirations. This year we are particularly interested in applicants who have an interest in material science and keen to study for a chemistry degree or who are looking to pursue a career in commercial, customer service, logistics or quality.
Where you'll work
Nimrod Way
Ferndown Industrial Estate
Wimborne
Dorset
BH21 7SH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE OPEN 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
You will study via an open university course through our learning academy, which is supported by our on-site Academy Tutor. You will spend your first 6 months learning in the academy and then, after the initial 6 months, you will then study 1 day a week in our academy via an open university course.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Patience
About this employer
At Superior, we stand as a global leader in manufacturing high integrity sealing products. We commit to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in the design, manufacture and supply of o-rings and special mouldings.
Since 1972, Superior has built a reputation by meeting its customers’ current needs and anticipating future challenges.
Superior works closely with global market leaders in sectors including engineering, automotive, food and beverage, electronics and medical equipment. We strive to help ensure the dependability and quality of our clients’ products.
https://superiorltd.com/careers/apprenticeship-intake-2026/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
A career in the material scientist laboratory.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
SUPERIOR SEALS LIMITED
karen parkinson
kparkinson@superiorltd.com
07350367002
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000023046.
Apply now
Closes in 9 days (Friday 3 April 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.