Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L6
Location: Watford
Compensation: £20,000 - £25,000 / year
Description
Location: BBA Test, BRE Innovation Park, Bucknall Lane, Watford, WD25 9BA
Working for BBA
The British Board of Agrément (BBA) drives industry safety by providing services that help clients create accountability and mitigate risk. Since 1966, the BBA has built its position as an independent certification body in the Construction and Civil Engineering industries.
We have a rich heritage of expertise and skill, as well as rigorous and robust processes and procedures which equip us with an acute focus on construction innovation of the future. Through extensive product and system research, testing and certification, auditing, and inspection, the BBA helps to instil confidence throughout the construction and manufacturing supply chain in both the UK and Global marketplaces.
We are now looking for two people to join our Materials Testing team as a Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Materials) Apprentice.
The Package- Starting salary: £20,000 - £25,000 (dependent on age and experience)
- Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week
- Flexible working hours (start times are 7am – 9.30am)
- On-site
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays (increases to 30 days after 5 years)
- Company pension (BBA 6%/Employee 5%) with salary exchange
- Life Assurance (4x annual salary)
- Health cash plan
- Electric car scheme with salary exchange
What will I be doing as a Laboratory Scientist (Materials) Apprentice?
BBA is pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualification through our Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Materials) Apprenticeship.
Within this role, you will be assisting in laboratory testing of construction products and systems, and will progressively take on and carry out such work with developing skills, knowledge and capabilities. You will learn how to plan, co-ordinate and carry out tests without supervision.
- Assist with and progressively carry out tests and report results in accordance with specified procedures
- Work with the Team Manager and colleagues to clarify assigned tests and program work to meet requested report dates
- Assist with equipment calibration, maintenance and development as necessary
- Advise and highlight progress and problems to Team Manager to indicate potential failures of a product
- Provide information on which test time estimates can be based
- Assist and develop knowledge of calibration duties relevant to tests
- Assist Test Technicians in the set-up, installation, operation, maintenance and dismantling of test equipment and facilities.
- Prepare samples for test, as required by testing staff
- Assist with keeping the laboratory, buildings and yard areas clean and tidy (requires operation of handling equipment such as cranes - training provided)
- Assist the Test Support Supervisor in the execution of his duties and to deputise for him in his absence.
- General labour, for example, demolishing test walls.
What could the future look like?
There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with BBA. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term.
Through ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career. At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll achieve a Bachelor of Science (BSci) in Applied Materials Sciences.
Hard work and determination will be recognised!
What will you bring?
Qualifications
For this position, you'll need to hold an A Level (or equivalent Level 3 qualification) in Mathematics and/or Science (Chemistry or Physics) at a minimum grade C.
In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are also driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, we’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at BBA.
About you
This is a very hands on and practical role so you should be willing to get stuck in.
We’re looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You’ll be results oriented, and able to use your good attention to detail to identify problems and record observations. The ability to think on your feet is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role!
You will have good health and safety awareness and be able to work towards strict health and safety guidelines.
Every day will be different, and you'll have the opportunity to work closely with the team to succeed. You'll need to be a good and honest communicator, to speak up and work together.
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Our Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6) are designed to provide fearless scientists in the making with a head start in their chosen career. Giving you the best of both worlds, you’ll receive a recognised and accredited qualification whilst obtaining hands on practical experience.
Why Tiro?
At Tiro, we’ve partnered with Middlesex University to offer a variety of degree apprenticeship programs in the field of science including Applied Materials Sciences. Our programs are designed to give you the best of both worlds: academic learning and practical training that will set you up for success in your chosen career path.
Our programs are designed to offer an alternative to graduate schemes, providing opportunities for ambitious and driven individuals with exceptional talent in STEM to progress their careers while also earning a salary.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board.
Over 33 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation.
You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments.
You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at Arcania Apothecary who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.
Requirements
At Tiro, our vision is to deliver transformational learning, developing apprentices into obsessive science and technology professionals and leaders, who succeed and thrive in industry.
With that in mind we are looking for curious, inquiring learners, determined to continually develop core and technical skills and knowledge in their field.
Our Apprentices are independent and motivated workers; they have a growth mind-set and a self-reflective approach to learning.
You’ll be fearless, ambitious, and hungry for progression onto higher levels of learning.
Since this opportunity is working within the materials industry, you should have an interest in this sector, to want drive forward your career.
You’ll have an enthusiasm for science and problem solving, be able to follow procedures and also have an inquisitive nature enabling you to question the status quo.
Entry requirements
There are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.
You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education (at time of enrolment), have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
Alongside this you will need to have a minimum of Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent)
AND relevant work experience or lab based experience.
Due to the nature and location of this position, we are only accepting applicants who hold a UK Driving license and are able to drive to site within a 45 minute commute.
If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested here, and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to earn a degree, gain work experience, and set yourself up for a bright future.