Apprenticeship - Science - Analytical Research Technologist - L3 (advanced) or L4 (higher)

-; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global energy company is offering a Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship in Reading, focusing on the development of analytical skills in a laboratory environment. The successful candidate will receive comprehensive training and support while working on real projects, with the potential for a qualification upon completion. This apprenticeship is designed for school leavers and those without a degree, starting in September 2026.

Benefits

Starting salary of £19,600

Sign-on bonus of £3,000

Wellbeing allowance up to £1,500 annually

Flexible benefits allowance

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Must be aged 18 or over by September 2026.
• GCSE qualifications A*-C or 9-4 in English, Maths and Science.
• Able to demonstrate technical skills in laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Join a multi-discipline team in a laboratory environment.
• Develop analytical laboratory skills.
• Contribute to research goals and provide accurate testing results.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Analytical techniques

Data analysis

Communication

Education

GCSE in English

GCSE in Mathematics

GCSE in Science

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

Job Description

bp is a global company that offers a world of opportunities for professionals as well as those starting out in their career. We're guided by our purpose and ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and help the world get there too.

What does this mean for you? It means you can expect purposeful work, world-class training and the flexibility to realize your full potential. Not to mention the chance to join a company committed to delivering more sustainable energy for all. Ready to crack on? Your perfect job match awaits.

About bp

bp is a global company that offers a world of opportunities for professionals as well as those starting out in their career. We're guided by our purpose and ambition to become a net zero company by 2050 or sooner, and help the world get there too.

About innovation analytics

The global innovation analytics team has skills and technical expertise in analytical chemistry, materials science, product characterisation and computational sciences all performed within world class laboratory facilities in Pangbourne, Hull, Bochum and Shanghai.

The team in Pangbourne are responsible for fast, high quality analytical testing and investigational analysis using state of the art instrumentation to support the bp business and to appraise and develop new low carbon technologies.

Early careers experience at bp

The One Science early careers programme provides a range of foundational career experiences and a gateway to an exciting and rewarding career.

This apprenticeship will be 2 years and 4 months long. During this time, you'll work on different projects alongside learning day to day operations, to become a rounded professional.

Alongside your formal apprenticeship, you'll also complete our Elevate training programme which provides a framework of 'non-technical' skills to support building personal effectiveness, helping you to grow both personally and professionally.

Throughout the program you'll have a dedicated support network to provide guidance on the program and advice on career development. You'll also be a key part of the bp early careers community, with events, socials and the opportunity to network with other early careers from across bp.

Role and responsibilities

As an apprentice you will join our multi-discipline team of discipline experts, scientists and technologists. We offer an exceptional working environment to learn and develop your skills set in an on‑the‑job setting, as well as supporting coordinated learning opportunities in areas such as health and safety.

Working with us you will develop broad analytical laboratory skills, building confidence in providing accurate testing results that address specific project requirements. As your skills develop you will contribute to meeting technical and research needs, providing outstanding science, delivering routine and bespoke analysis and achieving research goals.

You will spend your time in real working environments learning tangible skills whilst gaining a laboratory technician qualification.

Skills and Knowledge Development Areas

• Working safely in a laboratory environment, maintaining excellent housekeeping standards, appreciating workplace risks, and meeting regulatory compliance through following appropriate safety, environment, and risk management systems.
• Understanding and following procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace and safely operating analytical equipment.
• Demonstrating technical skills in the use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required.
• Planning and preparing for laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques and methodologies.
• Producing reliable and accurate data and where required keep detailed records of laboratory work undertaken and results.
• Analysing, interpreting, and evaluating data using a range of computational modelling software. Understanding and applying statistical techniques for data presentation.
• Communicating scientific information appropriately including the sharing of results to the wider team and the use of the global laboratory information management systems.
• Recognising problems and applying appropriate scientific methods to identify root causes and achieve solutions.

Apprentices will receive a programme of highly relevant supervised structured "hands on" training to develop the capabilities and range of skills that will be needed to perform work related activities within this environment. There is a strong emphasis on teamwork and the development of personal skills and behaviours.

The research technologist apprenticeship will complete a two-year level3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship course, leading to either a BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Applied Science or a Level 4 HNC depending on your previous academic attainment.

Requirements

To apply, you must be aged 18 or over at the start of the programme in September 2026.

If you're studying A-levels or completing further education, you must be due to complete your qualification/s in 2026 (we're unable to progress applications for students who will be part way through their studies when the programme starts).

You'll also need to have:

• GCSE qualifications A*-C or 9-4 in English, Maths and Science
• Candidates who wish to complete the level 4 HNC will also need to have A level Chemistry at grade C / BTEC Applied Science at Merit (32 UCAS points)
• Applicants with a relevant level 3 apprenticeship qualification will also be considered

Qualifications should be checked to ensure the requisite points are met Calculate your UCAS Tariff points | Undergraduate, Conservatoires | UCAS

In addition, under the apprenticeship levy rules, the following applies to all apprentices:

• Must be a citizen of an EEA/EU country (including the UK) and have lived in the EEA/EU for the last three years; OR if you are a non‑EEA/EU citizen but have permission to live and work in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last three years.
• Cannot already have a qualification at the same level or higher as the apprenticeship you are applying for.
• Cannot be currently undertaking another professional qualification that is Government funded (e.g. another apprenticeship).

This programme is designed for school / college leavers and other individuals who do not have a degree. If you have a university degree, please apply to our student and graduate opportunities.

Location(s)

This role is likely to be based out of the following UK office:

bp Technology Centre – Whitchurch Hill, Pangbourne, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 7QR

Start Date

7 September 2026

Other Information

• You can only apply to one bp early careers opportunity globally per academic year - within this time, we will only process the first application you make. You will be withdrawn from any subsequent applications.
• Assessment centres are a key part of the process and will be in person – bp will cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs, in line with the travel policy which will be shared with you. Please ensure you will be available to attend in person.
• Accommodation - once confirmed, where you need or decide to move closer to your location, you are responsible for organising and funding this accommodation.

Adjustments

We are keen to make our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any adjustments/accommodations, to any stage of the recruitment process, please mention this in the allocated section on your initial application form. Someone will then be in touch to discuss or confirm the adjustments/accommodations as appropriate for you. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss adjustments before applying, please get in touch:

T: [phone]

E: [e-mail]

Reward

Starting salary: £19,600

Sign on bonus: £3,000 (One off payment, subject to tax and national insurance)

Wellbeing allowance: Claim up to £1,500 each calendar year (subject to tax and national insurance) for products and services that contribute to physical, mental, financial and social wellbeing

Flexible benefits: In addition to your base salary, you'll receive a flexible allowance (currently 20% of your base salary) that you can take as cash or use to buy a range of extra benefits, such as a pension, critical illness, dental care, personal accident and travel insurance, and our cycle to work scheme.

Discretionary annual bonus scheme: Details of applicable bonus scheme and rules will be available on joining.

Private medical insurance: We'll pay for private healthcare, and you only pay an income tax charge.

bp share plans: You can choose to take part in our share plan and buy bp shares every month.

Travel Requirement: Negligible travel should be expected with this role

Relocation Assistance: This role is not eligible for relocation

Remote Type: This position is a hybrid of office/remote working

Skills

Legal Disclaimer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with an accessibility need may request an adjustment/accommodation related to bp's recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an adjustment/accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us.

If you are selected for a position and depending upon your role, your employment may be contingent upon adherence to local policy. This may include pre-placement drug screening, medical review of physical fitness for the role, and background checks.