Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - BRE Group

Tiro; Watford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £22k

25 days leave

Working hours 8:30-17:00

Health plan

Pension match up to 5%

Life cover 4x salary

Retail discounts

Onsite parking

Cycle to work

BRE Academy

Job summary

BRE Group in Watford offers a Materials Testing Apprentice role within its Built Environment team. You will assist in preparing, mixing and testing concrete and other construction materials, gaining hands-on experience and practical skills to produce reliable results.

Training combines live sessions, online learning and hands-on practice. You'll work under supervision with experienced technicians and engineers, progressing toward higher qualifications and potential RSciTech recognition.

Qualifications

• Be 16 or over
• Not be in full-time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, mix and test concrete and other materials under supervision.
• Record test results accurately and maintain documentation.
• Follow testing standards and safety procedures in the lab.
• Work with experienced technicians and engineers during your apprenticeship.

Skills

Prepare, mix & cure concrete specimens

Physical testing of materials

Lab equipment safety

Record results & documentation

Equipment checks & maintenance basic

Health & safety compliance (PPE)

Collaborate with technicians/engineers

Job description

Working for BRE Group

BRE is a global, profit-for-purpose organisation that uses science, testing and innovation to improve the safety, sustainability and performance of buildings and infrastructure. Based at the BRE Science Park in Watford, BRE has been raising standards across the built environment for more than 100 years.

Location:

Garston, Watford

Expected Start Date:

ASAP

About Company

BRE is a global, profit-for-purpose organisation that uses science, testing and innovation to improve the safety, sustainability and performance of buildings and infrastructure. Based at the BRE Science Park in Watford, BRE has been raising standards across the built environment for more than 100 years.

The Package

• Starting salary of £22,000
• 25 days annual leave
• Workings hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm.
• HealthShield medical cash plan
• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer matching
• Life assurance at 4x your basic salary
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Onsite parking and a cycle-to-work scheme
• Access to BRE Academy and opportunities to complete higher-level qualifications

Key Responsibilities

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Testing Apprentice to join BRE’s Built environment team. You will support the preparation, mixing and testing of concrete and other construction materials while developing the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to produce reliable results safely and accurately.

Skills

• Prepare, mix and cure concrete specimens in line with testing standards
• Carry out physical testing of concrete and other construction materials under supervision
• Use laboratory equipment and tools safely following training
• Record test results accurately and maintain clear documentation
• Support equipment checks, calibration and basic maintenance
• Follow health and safety procedures, including the correct use of PPE and safe manual handling
• Work alongside experienced technicians and engineers while completing your apprenticeship qualification

About You

You’re naturally curious about how materials behave and enjoy understanding why they perform the way they do. You take pride in getting things right and producing reliable results. Whether you already have some experience of science or are just starting out, you bring a positive attitude, a genuine willingness to learn and the eagerness to develop through hands‑on experience.

You thrive in a structured setting and like knowing what good looks like. Following standardised test methods, using laboratory equipment, preparing samples and recording data all appeal to you. You’re patient, focused and comfortable repeating precise tasks because you understand the importance of consistency.

You take safety and quality seriously and approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re comfortable working independently and communicating clearly with colleagues, supervisors and engineers. Most importantly, you’re motivated to progress, take on more responsibility and build a long‑term career in materials testing.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

• Be 16 or over
• Not be in full-time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK

Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further.

What your training will look like:

You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands‑on workplace training to build your skills step by step.

What could your future look like?

This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a materials technician and progress within the industry.

Through hands‑on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.

If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher‑level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.