Apprentice Science Technician

HECKMONDWIKE GRAMMAR SCHOOL ACADEMY TRUST

Heckmondwike (WF16 0AH)

Closes in 19 days (Monday 9 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 20 October 2026

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Summary

We are looking for an Apprentice Science Technician who is eager to support the work of our busy Science Department, by working as part of a team of 4 science technicians providing services for 17 teaching staff. The successful candidate will need to be flexible and hardworking with excellent organisation skills and ability to meet deadlines.

Wage

£15,392 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Pension:

  • For Teaching colleagues we operate the Teachers’ Pension Scheme.
  • For Operational colleagues we operate the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Thursday. 8.00am to 3.30pm on a Friday.

37 hours a week

Start date

Friday 20 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

Main Duties

  • Prepare and set up laboratory equipment, materials and resources for practical science lessons.
  • Clean, maintain and store laboratory apparatus, glassware and equipment.
  • Support teachers with demonstrations, experiments and practical activities.
  • Monitor, organise and maintain stock levels of chemicals, consumables and equipment.
  • Keep accurate stock records and assist with ordering supplies.
  • Ensure laboratories, preparation rooms and storage areas are safe, organised and well maintained.
  • Carry out basic equipment maintenance and arrange repairs where required.
  • Follow health and safety procedures, including the safe storage, handling and disposal of chemicals and materials.
  • Assist with school events, including Open Evenings and science-related activities.
  • Work closely with teaching staff and colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the Science Department.
  • Support safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion policies at all times.
  • Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required by the line manager.

Where you'll work

High Street
Heckmondwike
WF16 0AH

Training

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

Training provider

KIRKLEES COLLEGE

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

1 day per week in college, at Kirklees College, Waterfront Centre in Huddersfield.

You will complete an End Point Assessment. This will involve the following:

  • Knowledge test
  • Observation with questioning
  • An interview

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

3 GCSE’s including Science, Maths and English (grade 4 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
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience
  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Excellence

Other requirements

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide details of unspent convictions and those that would not be filtered prior to the date of the interview. 

You may be asked for further information about your criminal history during the recruitment process. If your application is successful, this self-disclosure informationwill be checked against information from the Disclosure and Barring Service before your appointment is confirmed.

About this employer

Heckmondwike Grammar School has provided the best education for able students since 1898. As we embrace the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century, we will continue to uphold the traditions, values and high expectations of an exceptional grammar school within an innovative, creative and progressive framework.

At Heckmondwike Grammar School, we are committed to helping every student achieve their academic and personal potential. We provide a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to excel, develop their talents, embrace diversity, and build a lifelong love of learning. Through high-quality teaching, a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, and strong partnerships with parents and the wider community, we prepare students for success in higher education, employment, and beyond.

 

https://www.heckgrammar.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Training and Development
  • Parking
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Health and Wellbeing 
  • Social Events

After this apprenticeship

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

Role of Science Technician.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

KIRKLEES COLLEGE

Agata Walon

awalon@kirkleescollege.ac.uk

07929075137

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000060028.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Monday 9 November 2026 at 11:59pm)