Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Structural Soils

Tiro; West of England; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave purchase scheme

Company pension scheme

Regular training and CPD opportunities

Job summary

Structural Soils Ltd in Bristol seeks a Laboratory Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) to join our geotechnical soil laboratory. You will support testing of soil samples, prepare specimens, and learn to operate laboratory equipment under supervision.

This 20‑month programme blends hands‑on work with structured training, guiding you from day‑to‑day tasks to greater responsibility. You’ll gain practical skills, CPD opportunities, and a clear path into materials testing careers.

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.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a variety of laboratory tests on soil samples in line with industry standards, procedures and specifications.
• Prepare soil samples for testing, ensuring correct labelling and storage.
• Use laboratory equipment and testing techniques to produce accurate results.
• Record test data clearly and prepare information for reporting.
• Follow established testing procedures to maintain quality and accuracy.
• Assist with calibration, checking and maintenance of equipment.
• Identify and report issues with equipment, samples or results.
• Follow health and safety procedures, including use of PPE.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
• Keep work areas clean, organized and safe.
• Work with experienced technicians and other team members to expand knowledge.
• Support the wider laboratory team and take on more responsibility as skills grow.

Skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Structural Soils

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Bristol

Compensation: £22,568 / year

Description

Location: Structural Soils Ltd, Stillhouse Ln, Bristol BS3 4EB

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Working for Structural Soils Ltd

Structural Soils Ltd, a member of RSK Group Ltd, is a site investigation contractor that for over 50 years has provided comprehensive site and ground investigation services in the UK and Europe. Due to recent expansion and increasing workload an exciting opportunity has become available for a Laboratory technician to join our team in Bristol UKAS accredited geotechnical soil laboratory.

About Structural Soils Ltd

The Package

• Starting salary of £22,568/year
• Annual leave purchase scheme
• Workings hours are 40 hours per week
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Key Responsibilities

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Technician Apprentice to join the team, supporting the day-to-day operations of the laboratory and carrying out a range of testing on soil samples to help ensure accurate, reliable results in line with relevant industry standards.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent foundation for a future career in materials testing and laboratory work, giving you the opportunity to develop hands‑on technical skills, gain experience using specialist equipment, and build your knowledge of soils and construction materials within a supportive and professional environment.

• Carry out a variety of laboratory tests on soil samples in line with relevant industry standards, procedures and specifications.
• Prepare soil samples ready for testing, ensuring they are handled, labelled and stored correctly.
• Use a range of laboratory equipment and testing techniques to produce accurate and reliable results.
• Accurately record test data and results, ensuring all information is clear and ready for further analysis and reporting.
• Follow established testing procedures to help maintain consistent quality and accuracy across laboratory work.
• Assist with the calibration, checking and maintenance of technical laboratory equipment to ensure it remains in good working order.
• Identify and report any issues with equipment, samples or test results to the appropriate member of the team.
• Follow all relevant health and safety procedures, including the correct use of PPE and safe handling of samples and equipment.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation in accordance with company and industry requirements.
• Keep work areas clean, organised and tidy, helping to maintain a safe and efficient laboratory environment.
• Work alongside experienced technicians and other members of the team, developing your knowledge of soil testing and construction materials.
• Support the wider laboratory team with day-to-day activities while gradually taking on more responsibility as your skills and confidence develop.

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: This is a physically demanding role where you will be on your feet throughout the day, there will also be manual handling involved.

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.

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.