Construction Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Holcim

Tiro; Frome; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Site vehicle access

Enhanced family benefits

Remote GP service

Job summary

Holcim is offering a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship at our Somerset site. You will learn to sample, test and report on the quality of sand, aggregates and bituminous products, on a hands-on, on-site program.

Based with experienced technicians, you will gain real industry experience, a recognised qualification, and the chance to build a long-term career in construction and materials testing. This paid apprenticeship starts in September 2027, runs over 20 months with part on-the-job

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship-based entry with hands-on training in materials testing.
• Willingness to learn sampling, testing, and reporting on quality.
• Comfort with outdoor/site work and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support sampling, testing and reporting on materials quality.
• Work on-site with experienced technicians to learn procedures.
• Help ensure materials meet quality and safety standards.
• Record results using laboratory systems and procedures.
• Spot and report issues, assist with equipment maintenance.

Skills

Practical

Attention to detail

Basic maths

Education

Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship

Tools

Laboratory testing procedures

Laboratory systems

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Somerset

Compensation: £18,500 / year

Location: Holwell Hill, Nunney, Frome, Somerset, BA11 4PX

Start Date: September 2027

Working for Holcim

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.

About Holcim

The Package

• Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable), plus bonus
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (with options to increase)
• 40 hours per week
• Monday to Friday (variable shift pattern)
• Saturday required but very infrequently
• Access to site vehicle (Manual operated)
• Enhanced family benefits, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Free 24/7 remote GP service for you and your household

Key Responsibilities

This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in a hands on Technical Apprenticeship within our Materials Laboratory team.

You’ll be based on site, working alongside experienced technicians who will support you as you learn how to sample, test and report on the quality of our sand, aggregates and bituminous products.

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys practical work, problem solving and being part of a team that plays a key role in the products that shape our roads, buildings and communities.

You will gain real industry experience, a recognised qualification and the chance to build a long term career in a growing and innovative sector.

• In this role, you will play an important part in making sure the materials we produce meet the highest quality and safety standards.
• You’ll learn how to work safely in a laboratory environment, follow clear testing procedures and understand how our products are used across major construction projects.
• You will get hands on experience taking samples, carrying out tests on materials like sand, aggregates and bituminous products, and recording results using our laboratory systems.
• You will also learn how to spot and report any issues, help investigate early product concerns and support the team in keeping equipment well maintained and calibrated.
• You’ll work closely with experienced technicians who will coach you as you build your knowledge, develop your technical skills and start providing support to colleagues and customers.

About You

You’re someone who enjoys being out on site and part of real-world projects, rather than sitting behind a desk. Working outdoors, travelling between locations, and being involved in construction environments appeals to you - you like seeing how things are built and playing a role in making sure they’re done properly.

You’re practical, reliable, and detail-focused. You take pride in following procedures accurately, whether that’s measuring materials, carrying out tests, or recording results. You understand that quality and safety matter, especially in a busy site environment, and you’re comfortable working to clear standards and deadlines without cutting corners.

You learn best by doing and enjoy hands on work using equipment and tools. You’re confident with basic maths and recording data, and you stay calm and focused even when working around machinery or in fast-paced environments. You’re happy working independently once trained, but also communicate clearly with site teams to ensure work is completed safely and correctly.

You’re motivated by being part of something tangible - contributing to projects like roads, buildings, and infrastructure - and you’re keen to build a long term career in the construction or materials testing industry.

Please note: You must be aged 18+ and hold a full UK manual driving licence by September 2027 due to the role requirements.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

• Be 18 or over
• Not be in full-time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK

Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

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.

Learn more about the programme here.

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.

What could your future look like?

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.