Apprentice Assistant – Quality Control Analyst

Stockport; Stockport; Hybrid; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Between 27-33 days annual leave

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice schemes

Stockport Credit Union

Job summary

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust offers an exciting Apprenticeship – Quality Control North West (QCNW) in a chemistry laboratory. The role provides on‑the‑job learning within an MHRA/UKAS‑aligned environment, with structured support from Skills 4 Pharmacy.

Training leads to a Level 3 Laboratory Services Technician apprenticeship. The Apprentice Assistant – Quality Control Analyst position runs Monday to Friday, with part‑time hours and a pathway into a permanent Band 2 role after competency is

Qualifications

• Analytical skills and numeracy required.
• Teamwork and effective written/verbal communication essential.
• GCSE science or equivalent required.

Responsibilities

• Receive and receipt test samples using a LIMS system.
• Perform laboratory housekeeping and ensure equipment readiness.
• Prepare, label, store and dispose of chemicals per procedures.
• Inspect reagents, chemicals, reference materials and media.
• Calibrate/verify a limited range of equipment under supervision.
• Carry out tests on starting materials and products to spec under supervision.
• Work in line with the department Quality Manual and team objectives.
• Maintain accuracy and manage workload with attention to detail.

Skills

Analytical skills

Numeracy

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Relevant science GCSEs

Job description

From the exceptional opportunities we offer, to the remarkable care we provide for our patients, we think there is something special about working here.

If you feel like you would like to be a part of our friendly team, please complete an application and start your journey to become a part of Team Stockport.

Apprentice Assistant – Quality Control Analyst

Main area Assistant – Quality Control Analyst Apprenticeship Grade Apprenticeship Contract 18 months (On completion of apprenticeship and demonstration of competency in laboratory role, the successful applicant will move into a permanent band 2 position.) Hours Part time - 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) Job ref 362-ADMAPPHA-10-26

Site Quality Control North West Town Stockport Salary £25,272 pro rata per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 04/11/2026 23:59

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

There are lots of good reasons to choose to come and work at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. A dynamic integrated Trust with integrity and vision. Exactly the same qualities you’ll see in yourself. Stockport NHS Foundation Trust aims to be the organisation of choice for patients and an employer of choice for staff. In order to continually improve all aspects of our patient experience, we rely upon having a highly skilled, motivated, diverse, productive and patient focused workforce.

Stockport Foundation Trust is one of four ‘specialist’ hospital sites in Greater Manchester. Being a ‘specialist’ hospital will enhance our general surgery, anaesthetics, critical care and emergency medicine for the benefit of people in Stockport, High Peak, Cheshire and across Greater Manchester.

In your application for this post, please describe how your experience and skills align with 'Our values-based behaviours' ( see additional documentation) and provide examples.

Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment

As well as recognising previous NHS service, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is a member of the Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment. If you are currently employed by Greater Manchester Local Authority, Combined Authority, GMFRS, TfGM as well as other public service organisations, Stockport NHS Foundation Trust will recognise your previous service for sickness and maternity/paternity/adoption entitlement and also for annual leave purposes (providing there has been no break in service). If you currently work for one of the above organisations and successfully apply for a post with Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, please ensure the Recruitment team are aware so that this service is reflected in your contract of employment.

Job overview

Exciting Apprenticeship Opportunity – Quality Control North West (QCNW)

We are pleased to offer an exciting apprenticeship opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the chemistry team at Quality Control North West (QCNW) at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.

This role will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to gain valuable workplace experience whilst completing a nationally recognised Level 3 Laboratory Services Technician apprenticeship within agreed timescales.

As an Apprentice Assistant – Quality Control Analyst, you will work in a chemistry laboratory, gaining valuable skills and experience while completing an apprenticeship standard. QCNW is accredited to both MHRA and UKAS standards; therefore, all training will be conducted in line with QCNW's quality system, adhering to GMP and GLP standards.

The apprenticeship programme is delivered in partnership with an approved training provider, ‘Skills 4 Pharmacy’, ensuring you receive high-quality learning, development and ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship journey.

Previous NHS experience is not required as full training will be provided.

This role is lab-based, Monday to Friday.

Main duties of the job

As an Apprentice Assistant – Quality Control Analyst, you will be supported and developed to:

• Receive and receipt test samples using a LIMS system.
• Perform general laboratory housekeeping, ensuring glassware and equipment are ready for use.
• Ensure chemicals used in pharmaceutical analysis are correctly prepared, stored, labelled, and disposed of in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Perform regular inspection of reagents, chemicals, reference materials and microbiological media.
• Under supervision of the senior scientist, carry out the calibration/verification of a limited range of laboratory equipment to predetermined time scales.
• Under the overall supervision of the senior scientist, carry out a limited range of physical and chemical tests on starting materials, packaging materials and pharmaceutical products to established specifications.
• Work at all times in accordance with the departmental Quality Manual.
• Work effectively as part of a team whilst managing your own workload.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail when handling information and data.

Working for our organisation

We hold a unique position in the Stockport community as the provider of healthcare and we are one of its largest employers.

We believe that the best organisations are those that reflect the communities they serve. We are therefore seeking to improve the diversity of our workforce to make it truly representative of our local population.

We actively encourage applications irrespective of race, age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage & civil partnership, or pregnancy or maternity. Recognising those communities that are underrepresented within our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from you.

If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.

We recognise that flexible working is important. We take requests for flexible working seriously, consider any request we receive and try to work with you, so we can explore if your request may fit with the needs of the service.

Benefits we offer to you:

• Between 27-33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more, to make your salary go further
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary finance – for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt
• Stockport Credit Union– for local financial advice

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

As an apprentice, you will be developed to maintain the chemistry and microbiology environments in a suitable condition, including tasks associated with ensuring laboratory and equipment are clean and orderly.
To ensure pharmaceutical products are fit for patients' use by carrying out physical, chemical, and microbiological testing, working under the supervision of a qualified and experienced analyst.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• Relevant science GCSEs

Knowledge

• Knowledge of some analytical techniques

Experience

• Analytical Experience

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent analytical skills
• Numeracy
• Good team worker
• Able to demonstrate good written and verbal communication skills

Work Related Circumstances

• Occupational health clearance
• Good demonstration of client/customer focus

Applicants are encouraged to read the documents attached to this vacancy before applying, including the job description and person specification and the information for applicants which includes useful information to assist you in completing your application.

From time to time we may need to close a vacancy early when in receipt of a sufficient number of applications. If you are interested in this post and wish to be considered, we strongly advise you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

Please note that all correspondence will be via your NHS Jobs account. Unfortunately we are not able to acknowledge each application. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please consider that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion. Please also note that Stockport NHS Foundation Trust are unable to refund Interview expenses or re-location costs.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting and championing a culture of diversity, fairness and equality for all applicants and employees. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds and we strive to reflect the community we serve in our diverse workforce. Our "two tick" kite mark guarantees a candidate with a disability, who fulfills the essential criteria, an interview at the Trust. We can make reasonable adjustments, and offer support and advice in a variety of ways on request.

At the Trust we always adhere to the UK Visas and Immigration rules pertaining to right to work; candidates who do not hold UK or Republic of Ireland (RoI) citizenship are required to obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to be eligible to apply for either a Health and Care visa or Skilled Worker visa which allows them to work in the UK, unless they have eligibility to work in the UK via another route.

To avoid disappointment, candidates wishing to apply for a role at the Trust who do not hold UK or Republic of Ireland citizenship and who would require a CoS from an employer, should carry out a self‑assessment process to identify the likelihood of obtaining CoS by visiting Work in the UK.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) If you choose to use AI when writing a job application, it is essential to personalise the content, particularly the supporting statement. AI cannot fully understand the specific context or requirements of a role and may generate inaccurate or misleading information. Over ‑ reliance on AI can reduce an applicant’s chances of success, as it cannot effectively demonstrate how individual knowledge, experience, and skills meet the job criteria. Applicants should ensure their statements reflect a personal voice and avoid a generic or robotic tone. Please note that we monitor the use of AI in applications. Applicants who use AI are required to declare this as part of the application process.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Application numbers

The vacancy may close early if it attracts a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.