Quality Control Mechanical Laboratory Apprentice

HEXCEL COMPOSITES LTD

Cambridge (CB22 4QB)

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 6 October 2026

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Summary

You will support the Quality Control team in ensuring that finished products meet established quality standards. The apprentice will develop practical laboratory skills while undertaking a recognised apprenticeship programme, gaining testing experience in mechanical testing, laboratory operations, and quality systems.

Wage

£26,520 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Salary is reviewed in January each year

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
8.30am - 4.45pm Monday - Friday.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 2 November 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

Key responsibilities:

  • Assist with routine laboratory sample preparation and testing of finished products
  • Prepare samples and laboratory equipment for analysis
  • Perform Mechanical testing under supervision using approved methods and procedures
  • Accurately record results in laboratory log sheets, electronic systems and quality databases
  • Maintain laboratory equipment through routine cleaning, calibration, and performance checks
  • Follow all health, safety, and environmental requirements within the laboratory
  • Assist with stock control of laboratory consumables.
  • Participate in continuous improvement activities aimed at enhancing laboratory efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Complete all apprenticeship coursework and workplace training requirements.

Where you'll work

Ickleton Road
Duxford
Cambridge
CB22 4QB

Training

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

Training provider

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

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

You will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' training provider, CSR Scientific Training, which will include: 

  • Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician
  • On-the-job competency training
  • Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (if required)

The majority of your learning will be completed online once a week with some face-to-face practical sessions / exams in Birmingham (if BTEC is included).

Upon successful completion, apprentices can apply for professional registration as a Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, with either the Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry or Royal Society of Biology.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

x 5 including Maths, English and Science (grade C/4 or above)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Science or equivalent (grade C or above)

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
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental

Other requirements

  • You must have been a UK resident for a minimum of 3 years to be eligible for this position
  • If you already hold a BSc or MSc in a closely related field, you will be ineligible for apprenticeship funding
  • We are a manufacturing site on the outskirts of a village so the applicant must be able to drive
  • Must be 18 years or older due to the nature of the work being carried out
  • To give yourself the best chance, please ensure your application is genuine and written in your own words. Applications created solely with AI tools may not be accepted

About this employer

From Roger Steele’s post-war laboratory in the basement of a suburban home to the production of the lunar struts of the Apollo 11 lunar landing module, Hexcel has been synonymous with innovation throughout its history. Hexcel was ready when the defence aerospace industry needed strong lightweight materials following World War II, and our company remains a leader in delivering innovative advanced composite solutions to our customers.

https://www.hexcel.com/About/Site-Locations/1445/hexcel-duxford (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Option to join private medical
  • Enhanced pension scheme
  • £16 meal subsidy for the onsite restaurant each month
  • We have flexi policy and hybrid working where possible

After this apprenticeship

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

Potential progression into a full-time technician role, with longer-term development along a technical career pathway aligned to Hexcel’s grading structure and business needs.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000057684.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Wednesday 21 October 2026 at 11:59pm)