Chemical Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) – Petrarch Panels

Tiro; Leamington Hastings CP; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in architectural panel solutions is seeking a Chemical Laboratory Technician apprentice to develop skills in material testing. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, a supportive learning environment, and the opportunity for a full-time position upon completion. Ideal for those enthusiastic about science and eager to learn in a non-traditional lab role.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension

Regular training and CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Focused and meticulous in work.
• Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions.
• Demonstrates enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Conduct testing on raw materials and finished products.
• Operate laboratory machinery and troubleshoot manufacturing issues.
• Record observations and communicate results to project leaders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Enthusiasm

Collaboration

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Location: Hastings

Compensation: £19,000 / year

Description


Location: Unit 5, 5 Wainwright Cl, Hastings, Saint Leonards-on-sea TN38 9PP

Working for Petrarch Panels

In today’s demanding world, architecture must fulfil so many needs and take on numerous roles. From energy efficiency and ever rigid safety standards, to durability, creativity and of course value for money. The ‘must-have’ checklist is increasingly longer. As a result, architectural product manufacturers and architectural product designers are constantly raising their game – introducing unique and technically advanced cladding materials, to deliver on this demand.

At Petrarch Panels we’re proud to present a range of premium cladding and framing solutions which enable designers and architects to realise their creative visions.

Located in Hastings, the successful apprentice will be working with leading experts to develop their skills and knowledge within the material testing sector. Perfect for anyone with an interest in science looking for a non -traditional lab-based role.

The Package

• Starting salary is £19,000 per year
• 37.5hours per week with 1 hour lunch break
• 8am - 4.30pm, Monday - Friday
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company pension
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
  
  

What will I be doing as a Chemical Laboratory Technician apprentice?

Working under the supervision of our Consulting Chemist, the job will involve conducting testing on raw materials to assess suitability for use in manufacturing and finished products to confirm adherence to specifications. There will be a requirement to work closely with the manufacturing team to ensure that results in the laboratory can be replicated on the production line and that issues experienced on the production line can be resolved.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Operate laboratory and pilot machinery, namely mixing and press-moulding equipment, to ensure that formulations are produced to the correct quality, quantity, and timescale to meet project requirements.
• Troubleshoot problems in the manufacturing plant, and design and conduct short-term laboratory scale experiments, or long-term projects to address and solve these problems.
• Characterise materials and composites derived from them.
• Work under supervision of scientists/engineers/production management to develop new material formulations and manufacturing technologies.
• Record experimental observations and outcomes in laboratory notebooks and communicate them to project leaders.
• Perform routine testing of incoming raw materials consignments to ensure that they meet agreed specifications.
• Perform routine testing of new raw materials in formulations, to ensure that quality and costs are not compromised by their use.
• Conduct routine mechanical and physical testing on factory-made products to ensure ongoing compliance with international and national standards.
• Perform additional tasks and supporting other R&I departments as required.
• Work in a safe manner in adherence with company policies.

This opportunity is a great way to begin your journey with Architectural Panel Solutions by gaining real-life work experience while you study for a nationally recognised qualification. We'll support you at every stage throughout your apprenticeship, providing you with the opportunity to learn new skills.

What could the future look like?

When you join Petrarch Panels 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 will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).

This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it's the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (primary and secondary), biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services, or educational institutions, the doors are wide open.

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Bioscience or Applied Chemical Science.

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

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

Experience


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 Petrarch Panels.

Qualifications


It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven 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!

About You

We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and absorb new skills and is capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner.

Be prepared for a challenge as you take on activities to ensure the targets are met, whilst standards are upheld to ensure the safety of your team and working environment.

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

Please note, due to the nature of this apprenticeship, you must be aged 18+, and be able to reliably commute to site within 45 minutes.



So how does the apprenticeship work?

At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board.

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 (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Petrarch Panels who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.

The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!

Eligibility

While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

You’ll need to be over 18, 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 quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.