Laboratory Apprentice

Ricardo; Wantage; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global consulting company in Wantage is seeking a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to gain hands-on experience in laboratory settings while pursuing a BTEC in Applied Science. This 24-month apprenticeship begins in September and provides comprehensive training and support. Responsibilities include ensuring high-quality measurements, maintaining equipment, and assisting project staff. Candidates should ideally have A Level qualifications in scientific subjects and awareness of laboratory safety. A driving license is an advantage.

Qualifications

• Ideally educated to A Level or equivalent, preferably including a scientific subject.
• Full, clean UK driving licence is an advantage.
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment is desirable; training will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Follow documented procedures to ensure high‑quality measurements.
• Make data available to project staff in a timely manner.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment.

Skills

Data recording

Laboratory equipment maintenance

Laboratory safety awareness

Education

A Level or equivalent in scientific subject

Job description

Overview

Role:Laboratory Apprentice

Location: Wantage, Oxfordshire

Role ID: 2026-3239

Our vision is to create a safe and sustainable world.

Ricardo, member of WSP, is a global strategic, environmental, and engineering consulting company. With over 100 years of engineering excellence and employing close to 3,000 employees in more than 20 countries, we provide exceptional levels of expertise in delivering leading-edge and innovative cross‑sector sustainable products and solutions. Every day, we enable our customers to solve the most complex and dynamic challenges to help achieve a safe and sustainable world.

About the Role

Ricardo’s Air Quality Team develops practical solutions to complex air quality challenges, working across measurement, modelling, exposure assessment, and data analysis. We deliver projects for local, city, and national clients, including flagship programmes like the UK’s AURN network, NAEI, and national air quality modelling assessments.

We’re looking to grow our laboratory and technical support team at Ludbridge Mill Laboratories.

As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3), you’ll gain hands‑on lab experience alongside formal study with csr‑group.co.uk, including a BTEC in Applied Science. The 24‑month apprenticeship starts in September with weekly online day release, exams, and practical sessions at CSR.

The role is available for immediate start, ideally in April 2026, giving you time to get to know the team and facilities before the apprenticeship begins.

Key Responsibilities

• Follow documented procedures to ensure high‑quality measurements and accurate data recording.

• Make data available to project staff in a timely manner.

• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment and ensure routine upkeep.

• Keep laboratory, workshop, and store areas organised and ready for use by senior technicians, scientists, and engineers.

• Liaise with subcontractors and volunteers as required.

Key Competencies and Experience

• Education ideally to A Level or equivalent, preferably including a scientific subject
• Full, clean UK driving licence is an advantage
• Although familiarity with laboratory equipment would be desirable, training will be provided in the operation of the apparatus and our procedures
• Awareness of laboratory and site safety

Working here

You will be warmly welcomed into our workplace where every voice matters. We are diverse thinkers and doers, coming together to create a culture of inclusion. We will support you to find your place.

We will encourage you to use your passion and expertise to make a positive impact through the projects you work on. Your knowledge and desire to bring about change will be invaluable in helping deliver innovative solutions that support communities across the globe in becoming safer and more sustainable.

Work life balance