Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Socotec

Tiro; Carcroft; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday (with the option tobuy

Electric car scheme (where applicable)

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK is offering a Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) in Doncaster. This apprenticeship provides hands-on testing in a materials laboratory, with structured training over 20+ months and support from a dedicated workplace mentor.

Start date ASAP, salary £20,000 per year, with comprehensive benefits and career progression opportunities. The role involves learning to carry out tests on materials, maintain records, and develop professional lab competencies within a

Qualifications

• Be 17 or older
• Not be in full-time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK
• No prior Level 3, degree or higher qualification in closely related subject or significant experience in the same field

Responsibilities

• Carry out tasks and prioritise workload to ensure samples are received, analysed and reported promptly
• Work safely following SOCOTEC policies and procedures
• Calibrate equipment following documented procedures
• Update asset database with kit calibration information
• Plan calibration of kit and liaise with site staff for timely return
• Report issues to Laboratory Manager
• Produce reports for external and internal clients
• Maintain high housekeeping standards
• Complete apprenticeship programme within timescales
• Perform any other duties reasonably requested by employer

Job description

Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Socotec

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Doncaster

Compensation: £20,000 / year

Description

Location: Wellsyke Rd, Doncaster, DN6 7DU

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Working for SOCOTEC

Here at SOCOTEC UK, we have over 2,000 colleagues across our divisions delivering world-class services to our customers. We provide an unrivalled range of testing, inspection, and certification services throughout the UK, and we deliver excellence to our customers by recruiting and retaining the very best industry talent.

We offer transversal career pathways as well as linear pathways, and we will support you in attaining a portfolio career in one place. Not to mention the possibility of working locally, nationally, or globally, in the office or remotely. We are committed to your personal and professional development, and you will be supported in every step of your journey with us.

See more about SOCOTEC here: Building Trust for a Safer and Sustainable World | SOCOTEC UK

The Package

• Starting salary of £20,000/year
• 25 days holiday (with the option to buy more)
• Electric car scheme (where applicable)
• Employee recognition programmes
• Family-friendly support
• Exclusive retail discounts
• Employee assistance programmes
• Enhanced company pension

Key Responsibilities

We are seeking a proactive, reliable, and flexible Apprentice Laboratory Technician to join our Infrastructure team. In this role, you’ll need the confidence to work independently, alongside the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team. A background in testing concrete, soils, aggregates and bituminous mixtures, along with knowledge of UKAS accredited laboratory practices, is essential to thrive in this position.

The tasks you will undertake will include (but are not limited to):

• Carry out tasks and prioritise workload to ensure that the customer’s samples are received, analysed and reported in a timely and efficient manner.
• Work in a safe manner, avoiding hazards to oneself and colleagues, following the policies and procedures detailed in the SOCOTEC Integrated Management System.
• Calibration of equipment following documented procedures
• Updating the asset database with kit calibration information
• Planning the calibration of kit and liaising with site staff to ensure it is returned to the office in a timely manner
• Reporting any issues or concerns to the Laboratory Manager
• Producing reports for external and internal clients.
• Ensure a high level of housekeeping at all times.
• Complete apprenticeship programme in line with expected timescales, as determined by the training provider and manager/mentor.
• Any other duty or work reasonably requested by the Employer

About You

You’re naturally curious about how materials behave and enjoy understanding why they perform the way they do, not just following instructions. You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail, and producing accurate, reliable results. Whether you’ve explored science before or are just starting out, you’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a long‑term career in a materials testing laboratory.

You’re someone who thrives in a structured setting. You like clarity, routine, and knowing what good looks like. Following standardised test methods, working with laboratory equipment, and carefully preparing samples and recording data feels satisfying rather than restrictive. You’re patient, focused, and comfortable repeating precise tasks because you understand that consistency and accuracy are essential for high‑quality results.

You take safety, quality standards, and laboratory procedures seriously, and you approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re just as comfortable working independently as you are communicating clearly with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers. You’re motivated by analysing results, understanding why materials pass or fail, and progressing over time, building your skills step by step and becoming a trusted expert in materials testing.

Please note: You must be 17+ due to the nature of the working environment

Apprenticeship Eligibility

• Be 17 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.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands‑on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.

As part of this Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site‑based environment.

Learn more about the programme here. Over 20 months, you’ll combine day‑to‑day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in‑person training, and hands‑on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.

You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off‑the‑job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.

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.