Construction Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Fixed Plant
AGGREGATE INDUSTRIES UK LIMITED
Devon (EX15 3EP)
Closes in 30 days (Thursday 19 November 2026)
Posted on 19 October 2026
Contents
Summary
This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in a hands-on Technical Apprenticeship at Hillhead Quarry in Devon.
You'll be working alongside experienced colleagues who will support you as you learn how construction materials are extracted, processed and quality-checked, gaining valuable experience in a busy quarry environment.
- Wage
-
£18,500 a year
- Training course
- Laboratory technician (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday (variable shift pattern). Shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 1 September 2027
- Duration
-
1 year 8 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
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys practical work, problem-solving and being part of a team that plays an important role in producing the materials used to build our roads, buildings and communities.
You will gain real industry experience, a recognised qualification and the opportunity to build a long-term career in the construction materials industry.
- In this role, you'll support the day-to-day operations of the quarry's fixed plant equipment, helping to ensure materials are processed safely and meet the required quality standards.
- You'll learn how to work safely in a busy quarry environment, following health and safety procedures and understanding how aggregates are extracted and processed.
- You'll gain hands-on experience learning about the machinery and equipment used to process materials, including crushers, screens and conveyor systems.
- You'll learn how materials are monitored and quality-checked, helping to maintain product standards and accurately record important information.
- You'll support the team in identifying and reporting equipment or production issues, understanding how problems are resolved and helping to keep operations running safely and efficiently.
- You'll work closely with experienced colleagues who will coach you as you develop your technical knowledge, practical skills and confidence within the industry.
Where you'll work
Hillhead Quarry
Clay Lane
Devon
EX15 3EP
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
Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.
As part of this Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site-based environment.
Over 20 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.
You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.
What your training will look like:
You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE 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
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
About this employer
Holcim are leaders in supplying innovative, sustainable building solutions to the UK construction industry; building progress for people and the planet.
Since 1858, Holcim have helped shape the UK; powering the construction of homes and hospitals, roads and railways, schools and cities alike.
The mission is to make sustainable construction a reality, through purposeful action that tackles real carbon and climate challenges. Holcim are dedicated to helping Britain grow and thrive - by doing the right thing, doing it together, and making a difference.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a materials technician and progress within the industry.
Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.
If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TIRO TRAINING LTD
Emily Rankin
Emily.Rankin@tiro.co.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000059866.
Apply now
Closes in 30 days (Thursday 19 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.