Laboratory Apprentice

Avara Foods; Hereford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension scheme

Private healthcare

Long-term career development

Job summary

Avara Foods is offering a Laboratory Technician Apprentice position at Hereford. You will work from day one in our microbiology and chemistry labs, gaining hands-on experience while studying for nationally recognised qualifications.

The 24‑month programme combines 21 months of learning with a 3‑month End Point Assessment, leading to a permanent role and long-term development within the company.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including Mathematics, English Language and a Science subject.
• Strong Level 3 Science qualifications, such as A Levels or a relevant Science BTEC.
• No or limited laboratory experience required.

Responsibilities

• Gain practical experience across microbiology and chemistry laboratories.
• Support testing, analysis and quality processes to meet high standards.
• Progress to a permanent Laboratory Technician role after successful completion.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Proactive attitude

Teamwork

Education

GCSEs including Maths English Science

Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science

Level 4 HNC in Applied Science

Tools

LIMS

Job description

• 24-month programme (21 months learning plus 3-month End Point Assessment period)
• Strong Level 3 Science qualifications, such as:
• Relevant Science BTEC qualification
• 24-month programme (21 months learning plus 3-month End Point Assessment period)

Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Location: Hereford

Salary: £12.71 per hour

Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 (Tuesday is your college/study day)

Contract: Permanent Apprenticeship

Start Your Career in Science with Avara Foods

Are you passionate about Science and looking for a practical career that combines learning with hands-on experience?

Join Avara Foods as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice and become part of a dedicated team responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of our products. From day one, you'll gain valuable laboratory experience while working towards nationally recognised qualifications and building a long-term career with one of the UK's leading food businesses.

Whether you're a recent GCSE leaver looking to start your scientific career or already hold strong Level 3 science qualifications and want to continue your academic development, we have an apprenticeship pathway designed to support your progression.

About The Role

As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will become a member of our Laboratory team from day one, gaining practical experience across a range of laboratory functions while studying towards your qualification.

You'll work within our microbiology and chemistry laboratories, supporting testing, analysis and quality processes that help ensure our products consistently meet the highest standards.

Following successful completion of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to progress into a permanent Laboratory Technician role.

Apprenticeship Pathways

Option 1: Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science

This pathway is ideal for candidates who are beginning their scientific career.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including:
• Mathematics
• English Language
• A Science subject
• Applicants with equivalent Level 3 Science qualifications below Grade C, or Level 3 qualifications in non-science subjects, may also be considered.
• No or limited laboratory experience required.

Programme Details

• 24-month programme (21 months learning plus 3-month End Point Assessment period)
• Supported by a dedicated BTEC Tutor and Vocational Skills Coach (VSC)

Qualifications Achieved

• Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Pass or Distinction)
• Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*)

Option 2: Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with Level 4 HNC in Applied Science (Biology or Chemistry)

This pathway is designed for candidates with strong Level 3 science qualifications who wish to continue their academic development while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Entry Requirements

• Strong Level 3 Science qualifications, such as:
• A Levels (Grade B or above)
• Relevant Science BTEC qualification
• No or limited laboratory experience required.

Programme Details

• 24-month programme (21 months learning plus 3-month End Point Assessment period)
• Supported by a dedicated HNC Tutor and Vocational Skills Coach (VSC)

Qualifications Achieved

• Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Pass or Distinction)
• Level 4 HNC in Applied Science (Biology or Chemistry) (Pass, Merit or Distinction)

What You’ll Learn

• Undertaking routine laboratory work within microbiology and chemistry laboratories
• Performing analysis to CLAS, TLAS and UKAS/DEFRA standards
• Producing, analysing and interpreting scientific data
• Applying statistical techniques to laboratory results
• Using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Communicating scientific information effectively
• Investigating issues using scientific methods and proposing solutions
• Following food safety, quality and Health & Safety standards
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintaining laboratory housekeeping and hygiene standards
• Working to documented laboratory procedures to maintain accreditation compliance
• Collaborating effectively within a professional laboratory environment

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in Science and laboratory-based work
• Qualifications that meet the requirements of either apprenticeship pathway
• Strong attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A good standard of Maths and English
• Competent IT skills
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team

Training and Support

• Weekly online tutorials delivered by CSR Scientific Training, one of the UK's leading providers of laboratory apprenticeships
• Dedicated support from a Vocational Skills Coach (VSC), with regular onsite visits approximately every eight weeks
• Ongoing mentoring and practical workplace training from experienced laboratory professionals

What’s in It for You?

• £12.71 per hour
• Permanent employment from day one
• Excellent pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Employee benefits designed to help you make valuable tax and National Insurance savings
• Nationally recognised qualifications
• Long-term career development opportunities within Avara Foods

About Avara Foods

You may not have heard of us, but there's a good chance you've enjoyed our products.

Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets, foodservice customers and well‑known restaurants across the country.

We manage our entire supply chain, from farms through to production and distribution, creating a wide variety of career opportunities across our business. Our network includes major processing sites across England and Wales and more than 350 farms nationwide.

About Our Hereford Site

Our advanced manufacturing facility in Hereford is one of our largest processing sites, processing up to 2 million birds each week.

More than 1,500 colleagues work at the site, helping deliver high-quality products to customers across the UK. We have recently invested £1.2 million in new technology and equipment, making the facility one of the most advanced food manufacturing operations in the country.

Important Information

• We encourage applications from candidates who live within a reasonable commuting distance of the Hereford site.
• Applicants must have the permanent right to live and work in the UK.
• Apprenticeship eligibility will be assessed in line with current apprenticeship funding requirements.
• This role is based within a fast‑paced FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Some production and site areas are refrigerated and can be noisy.
• High standards of hygiene, food safety and health and safety must be maintained at all times.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Avara Foods, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.