Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - LevertonHELM

Tiro; England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chemical manufacturing company in Reading is seeking a Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprentice. The role involves performing analytical activities, assisting the production team, and ensuring safety standards. The ideal candidate is passionate about science, details, and organization. This apprenticeship spans 21 months, offering hands-on experience while earning a salary and gaining qualifications. Opportunities for full-time positions exist upon completion.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

7% Pension

Private Medical

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay

Qualifications

• Be aged 18+ and hold a full UK Driving License.
• Passion for science and good computer skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical activities in support of the production team.
• Conduct analytical testing of raw materials and end products.
• Assist with calibration and troubleshooting of analytical equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Scientific aptitude

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - LevertonHELM

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Reading

Compensation: GBP 20,000 / year

Please note: this apprenticeship will be split between two locations.

The Company

LevertonHELM manufactures a range of inorganic speciality chemicals which are sold throughout the world. It operates in a niche area of lithium chemistry and has an excellent reputation for reliability and providing high quality products. The company requires that all its personnel assist in driving the business forward; the apprentice is expected to play a major role in this process. This is a very technical role that requires a high level of chemical knowledge and qualification. Complicated mathematics are also regularly required. The job holder must be able to balance many priorities and to generate a process of working through regular/daily issues to achieve set deadlines. The apprenticeship is located across two of our sites in Basingstoke, with occasional travel to the third site if required. The company manufactures approximately 30-40 chemical products among the sites with the laboratory team providing analytical and environmental support to the company activities.

The Package

• Salary up to GBP 20,000 per annum (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months, if applicable)
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm (Once confident, would be moved to shifts which roll on a week-by-week basis)
• 40 hours per week
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 7% Pension
• Private Medical
• Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity pay

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

As an Apprentice Laboratory Technician, your role will be to perform analytical activities in support of the production team, research & development activities, and external customers. To develop new analytical methods and improve existing methods intended for product release or process control. Ensure that the laboratory activities carried out are accurate, safe and within planned schedules. Provide high quality analytical results contributing to the improvement of the company's quality standards in the production of specialty chemicals.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out process control and analytical testing of raw materials, intermediates and end products in support of the manufacturing process.
• Carry out analytical testing of samples sent by external customers, as required.
• Perform calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting on analytical equipment as required.
• Carry out analytical method development in support of new products or specifications.
• Perform analytical activities in support of development of new chemical processes.
• Ensure that activities carried out are documented accordingly to ensure high quality standards and traceability.
• Assist with all health, safety and environmental practices ensuring that a proactive approach to Health and Safety is brought to the laboratory area.
• Liaise with the manufacturing team to ensure manufactured product is tested and released in a timely manner.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing team to ensure that production processes achieve desired results.
• Assist with the preparation of samples for analysis at external laboratories when required.
• Assist with the preparation and release of certificates of analysis as required.
• Carry out laboratory housekeeping and assist with the continuous improvement of documentation and quality systems in the laboratory.
• Provide technical and analytical support for the development programmes and assist with the introduction of new products into the plant.
• Carry out training for other laboratory personnel and production personnel as required and appropriate.
• Prepare analytical standards and reagents.

Future opportunities

When you join LevertonHELM the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship. Through practical training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths. This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Applied Chemical Science Apprenticeships, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About you

We’re seeking an individual with a passion for science, and good computer skills! You’ll work with spreadsheets, word processors, email, and computer-managed laboratory equipment on a daily basis, so it’s important that you’re comfortable with Microsoft programmes and can pick new systems/technology up quickly!

You'll be an organised and flexible person, who is comfortable managing multiple priorities.

You'll be self-motivated, flexible, well organised and possessing excellent problem-solving skills.

Please note: due to the nature of this role, you'll need to be aged 18+ and a Full UK Driving License with access to your own car is required. If you have your practical driving test booked this year, we will be able to consider your application.

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you'll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!

Qualifications

It's about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who have drive to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don't already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!

Experience

Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. We're not just interested in experience and qualifications; we're looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at LevertonHELM.

Skills & Characteristics

• An accurate, systematic method of working.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A scientific aptitude and keen interest in materials science.
• Strong organisation skill.
• Motivation and drive.
• The ability to work independently and adhere to deadlines.

How the apprenticeship works: Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on off-the-job training. This can include theory training (virtual lessons and online learning), alongside practical training (shadowing, mentoring, and time spent writing assignments). This will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by a tutor and an experienced mentor who will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits needed to succeed. Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll learn things you might not experience in university or college. You’ll earn a salary while gaining your qualifications.

Eligibility: You’ll need to be 18 or over, not in full-time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK. If you don’t meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested and we’ll discuss further.