Lab Technician Apprentice - R&D & QC (Hybrid Training)

Nicholls & Clarke Ltd; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading building products company is seeking a Higher Apprentice – Laboratory Technician to support R&D and Quality Control teams. This three-year apprenticeship includes practical training and university education at the University of Derby. Responsibilities include developing formulations, conducting quality tests, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental protocols. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a pathway to further career opportunities upon successful completion.

Benefits

Competitive apprentice salary

23 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Tuition paid by employer

Links with professional bodies

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of raw material behaviour and cementitious/glue-based systems.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislation and HSE hazards.
• Understanding of problem-solving and quality systems (BS EN & ISO).

Responsibilities

• Support R&D and Quality Control functions in formulation development.
• Assist in development of new building products formulations.
• Conduct trials on alternative raw materials.
• Perform lab-based quality control testing.
• Maintain an e-portfolio of evidence for assessment.

Skills

Excellent communication (written & verbal)

Technical report writing & presentation capabilities

Strong organisational skills

Time-management

Problem-solving skills

Collaborative learner

Proactive learner

Education

GCSEs (Grade 4/C+) in Maths, English, and Science

Level 3 qualification (e.g., A-Levels in Chemistry, Materials Technology)

Tools

Basic lab techniques for building-product formulation

Job description

A leading building products company is seeking a Higher Apprentice – Laboratory Technician to support R&D and Quality Control teams. This three-year apprenticeship includes practical training and university education at the University of Derby. Responsibilities include developing formulations, conducting quality tests, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental protocols. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a pathway to further career opportunities upon successful completion.