Fire Resistance Testing Apprentice (Level 3) - Element

Tiro; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading testing and materials company in High Wycombe is looking for a Materials Technician Apprentice to support laboratory operations and fire resistance testing. Responsibilities include preparing and conducting tests, fabricating specimens, and maintaining equipment. This apprenticeship offers a pathway to a full-time role, valuable experience in materials science, and the potential for obtaining a Level 3 qualification. If you're eager to learn and show commitment, this role is for you.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee assistance programmes

Regular training and CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Focused and meticulous in all aspects of work.
• Able to absorb new skills quickly.
• Capable of following instructions accurately.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and conduct fire resistance tests.
• Assist in fabricating test specimens and constructions.
• Maintain laboratory and safety equipment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to learn quickly

Good communication

Team player

Education

Interest in materials science

Right to work in the UK

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Description

Ready to dive in, get hands‑on, and put materials to the test? Discover your perfect match at the Fire and Building Products Laboratory, where Elements fuel your passion!

Location

Fire and Building Products Laboratory, Chiltern House, Stocking Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP14 4ND

About Element

The High Wycombe facility specializes in product and materials testing and is UKAS accredited to undertake testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, acoustic testing of building components, mechanical testing of construction products (specialising in timber and fasteners) and pre‑completion air leakage and sound insulation testing of buildings. Located just 35 miles west of London, we have been providing testing services to the construction industry for over 40 years.

Core values

Integrity, Care, and Progress.

Professional development

We are committed to personal and professional development, and you will be supported and mentored at every step of your journey with us. You will join a large team of industry‑leading, expert professionals and receive exposure to some of the best opportunities and challenges available.

Package

• Starting salary is £23,500 per year
• Workings hours are 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday (Shift patterns including : 9am – 5pm; 7am – 3pm; 12pm – 8pm)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee assistance programmes
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Apprentice role

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Technician Apprentice to join our team, supporting day‑to‑day laboratory operations and fire resistance testing under the supervision of the Lead Technician. In this role, you’ll prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests, assist with the fabrication and installation of test specimens and supporting constructions, and ensure that all laboratory, testing, and safety equipment is properly maintained. You’ll also take part in the demolition and disposal of test remains, contributing to the smooth running and high standards of the testing environment.

Summary of duties

Under the supervision of the Lead Technician, you’ll perform and conduct fire resistance tests, maintaining the testing / safety equipment and laboratory to a standard suitable for the testing undertaken.

• Fabrication of supporting constructions for test specimens
• Fabrication of specialist constructions required for tests
• Installation of test specimens
• Instrumentation of test specimens
• Conduct tests
• Demolition and disposal of test remains
• Maintenance of laboratory, test equipment and safety equipment

Future opportunities

When you join Element, 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. The apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech). This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors. You may also choose to pursue higher‑level qualifications through our Degree Apprenticeships such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science.

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 using a variety of hand tools. You must be a good communicator and team player at all levels, and capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner.

Experience & Qualifications

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment. While previous experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career. 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!

Apprenticeship training

Over 18 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. Theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning) and practical training (shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments) together will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Element who together will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career. You’ll earn a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme.

Eligibility

You’ll need to be over 16, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK. Applicants must meet UK Government requirements. You must be aged 18+, hold a full UK driving licence and live within a 45 minute commute to site. If you do not yet meet these minimum requirements, please let us know you’re interested.

Tiro & Element partnership

We believe great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employers waiting to nurture them. We appear proud to help connect the two — supporting industries that make, test, and innovate; from polymer manufacturing and materials science to sustainable engineering and advanced technology. At Tiro, we make great things happen for people. And that starts with you.