Laboratory Engineer Degree Apprentice - Materials Science

RINA Piraeus Team; Leatherhead; Hybrid; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a motivated Degree Apprentice in Materials Science to join their dynamic laboratory team. This exciting opportunity offers a four-year program where you will gain hands-on experience while pursuing a BSC Hons degree. You will engage in diverse laboratory projects, from testing underwater cables to analyzing electronic components. With strong managerial support and a hybrid working policy, this role provides an excellent work-life balance and the chance to enhance your technical skills in a collaborative environment. If you're an inquisitive school leaver ready to kickstart your career in Materials Science, this is the perfect fit for you.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Retail discounts

Gym membership discounts

25 days holiday

Flexible working policy

Expert managerial support

On the job training

No university costs

Qualifications

• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and logical mindsets are essential.
• 5 GCSEs and 3 A Levels required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Support laboratory test projects on various products.
• Conduct routine testing and analysis of engineered components.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Logical thinking

Education

5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and a Science

3 A Levels including one Science subject

Tools

X-Ray Fluorescence

Infra-Red Spectroscopy

Macro and stereo microscopes

Job description

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Laboratory Engineer Degree Apprentice - Materials Science

Posting Date: 4 Apr 2025

City: Leatherhead

Location:

Leatherhead, GB, KT22 7AJ

Contract Type: Permanent

Division: Operations and Maintenance Engineering

Level of experience:

RINA is a global management consultancy, providing engineering solutions to the Industrial, Defence, Energy, Marine, Transport and Infrastructure sectors. Established over 160 years ago, we employ 6,000 talented professionals, operating across 70 countries.

Would you like to join a busy, materials-focused Laboratory Test and Analytics Team? We are looking for an A Level student to join RINA as a Degree Apprentice, where you will join a four-year programme as an employee, and obtain a BSC Hons degree in Materials Science (Level 6) concurrently.

Based in our friendly office in Leatherhead, you’ll find yourself supporting a range of laboratory test projects, working on products such as underwater cables, propellors and turbines. You will be a part of the team which provides comprehensive test analysis, often diagnosing complex component and system failures. For instance, you will be tasked with working on a diverse range of equipment and be involved in testing for X-Ray Fluorescence and Infra-Red Spectroscopy and measuring chemical and conductivity levels.

This opportunity is ideal for an inquisitive and motivated school leaver with a flair for problem-solving who is looking to enhance your technical skillset whilst building a successful career in Materials Science.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, accountabilities include:

• The strip-down of consumer electrical and electronic products
• Undertaking routine testing of engineered components/items
• Acquiring macro and stereo microscope images of components
• Supporting preparation of liquid samples and extracts
• Electrical testing and materials and chemical analysis
• Laboratory maintenance activities, ensuring a clean working environment
• Managing, maintaining and auditing laboratory consumables (i.e. chemicals, solvents, PPE etc).

Qualifications required:

• 5 GCSEs: must include English, Maths and a Science (all Grade 5 or above)
• 3 A Levels, must include one Science subject (Minimum predicted grades: B,C,C)

Beyond academic qualifications we are looking for individuals with strong problem-solving, analytical and logical mind-sets.

What is in it for you:

• Work life balance – our hybrid working policy allows for flexible working when agreeable
• Expert managerial support and mentorship and ‘on the job’ training
• Virtual degree modules aligned to work projects
• A starting salary of £24K with incremental rises
• Company benefits including private health insurance, retail and gym membership discounts, 25 days holiday and many more perks
• No university or degree costs.

The Recruitment Process

• Online behavioural assessment and video interview
• Pre-screening telephone interview
• Assessment centre in our Leatherhead office (to include face to face interview, pre-prepared presentation, group task, written exercise, laboratory tour)