Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Special Melted Products (SMP)

Tiro; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking enthusiastic Materials Testing Technician Apprentices to join their dynamic team. This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in materials science and laboratory testing. As part of a world-class team, you'll work on exciting projects in a supportive environment, preparing for a future in manufacturing, engineering, or R&D. With a commitment to professional development, you’ll receive comprehensive training and the potential for a full-time role upon completion. Join us and embark on a rewarding career path with limitless possibilities!

Benefits

Private healthcare

Full sick pay after 1 year

33 days of annual leave

Regular training & CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Solid GCSE foundation in Maths, English, and Science.
• Passion for gaining hands-on experience in an analytical role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal samples for testing and perform analytical evaluations.
• Carry out metallurgical testing and maintain testing equipment.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

GCSE in Maths

GCSE in English

GCSE in Science

Tools

Metallurgical testing equipment

Data analysis/reporting software

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Sheffield

Compensation: £15,771 / year

Description

Location: Commercial Testing Services Laboratory, Blackmore Street, Sheffield, S4 7UU

Working for SMP

At Special Melted Products, we have a long history, with a metals production lineage dating back to the 1800s. The company has developed into a manufacturer of premium, speciality steels and nickel-based Super Alloys used in critical applications for the Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and Civil Nuclear industries.

We pride ourselves on having a world-class team with exceptional capabilities, offering high levels of customer service and product innovation. We are a “one-stop shop” for melted alloys and components.

We are now looking for two enthusiastic Materials Testing Technician Apprentices (Level 3) to join our team!

The Package

• Starting salary: £15,771.08 per annum (increasing to National Minimum Wage after 12 months if applicable)
• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week – day shifts
• 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays
• Private healthcare
• Full sick pay after 1 year of service
• Regular training & CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as a Materials Testing Technician Apprentice?

As an Apprentice, you’ll work as part of a team preparing metal samples for testing, carrying out heat treatment, and performing a range of analytical, mechanical, and metallographic testing to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Carrying out metallurgical testing including tensile, hardness, impact, creep strain, stress rupture, grain size, OES, XRF, Leco, AA, macrostructure, and microstructure evaluations.
• Ensuring testing is carried out in accordance with the relevant procedure.
• Evaluating results against relevant specifications.
• Maintaining and calibrating testing equipment prior to use.
• Carrying out heat treatment according to specifications.
• Maintaining and calibrating furnaces prior to use.
• Working safely and participating in company safety initiatives.
• Providing results in a timely manner as per planned dates.
• Communicating effectively with team members and technical supervision.
• Participating in training and audits as required.
• Assisting with improvements to procedures, equipment, and methods to increase laboratory efficiency.

What could the future look like?

Joining SMP offers limitless possibilities for success. Potentially, you could secure a full-time position after your apprenticeship. The practical training prepares you for careers in manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or R&D sectors, with a growing demand for skilled professionals ensuring the quality and reliability of materials.

This program also serves as a stepping stone toward a career in laboratory testing, with opportunities to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech). Further educational progression, such as our Level 6 BSc in Applied Materials Science, can lead to more specialized or leadership roles.

Your hard work and dedication will be recognized!

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

About you

The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude towards learning, with a solid GCSE foundation in Maths, English, and Science. You should have a passion for gaining hands-on experience in an analytical role, with an interest in materials science, engineering, or laboratory testing.

You should enjoy an analytical approach, with attention to detail and curiosity to ask questions and develop your skills. Ability to learn new systems quickly and use data analysis/reporting software is essential. High standards in health & safety are crucial, along with ownership of responsibilities, teamwork, and collaboration.

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 17+ and able to reliably commute to the site within 45 minutes.

Qualifications

Enthusiasm matters more than school results. Successful apprentices are driven to learn, honest about their knowledge, considerate, self-reflective, and eager to develop their skills.

Experience

We value the right attitude and aptitude over specific experience or qualifications; fitting into SMP’s environment is key.

How does the apprenticeship work?

Over 21 months, you’ll dedicate at least 6 hours weekly to ‘off the job’ training, including virtual lessons, shadowing, mentoring, and assignments. This will lead to a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, guided by expert tutors and mentors. You’ll gain practical experience that’s often unavailable in traditional academic settings, all while earning a salary without student debt.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet UK Government criteria: over 17, not in full-time education, UK residency for 3 years, and the right to work in the UK. If you hold a Level 3 qualification or higher in a related field or substantial relevant experience, you might not qualify for funding, as these programs are designed for upskilling or reskilling.