Laboratory Technician

Nicholls & Clarke Ltd; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading building products company is seeking a Higher Apprentice – Laboratory Technician to support R&D and Quality Control teams. This three-year apprenticeship includes practical training and university education at the University of Derby. Responsibilities include developing formulations, conducting quality tests, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental protocols. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a pathway to further career opportunities upon successful completion.

Benefits

Competitive apprentice salary

23 days holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Tuition paid by employer

Links with professional bodies

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of raw material behaviour and cementitious/glue-based systems.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental legislation and HSE hazards.
• Understanding of problem-solving and quality systems (BS EN & ISO).

Responsibilities

• Support R&D and Quality Control functions in formulation development.
• Assist in development of new building products formulations.
• Conduct trials on alternative raw materials.
• Perform lab-based quality control testing.
• Maintain an e-portfolio of evidence for assessment.

Skills

Excellent communication (written & verbal)

Technical report writing & presentation capabilities

Strong organisational skills

Time-management

Problem-solving skills

Collaborative learner

Proactive learner

Education

GCSEs (Grade 4/C+) in Maths, English, and Science

Level 3 qualification (e.g., A-Levels in Chemistry, Materials Technology)

Tools

Basic lab techniques for building-product formulation

Job description

Job Title

Higher Apprentice – Laboratory Technician

Location

N & C Building Products, Burslem, Stoke on Trent, ST6 3BJ, UK

Apprentices will also attend block-release sessions at the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products.

Reports To

• Laboratory & R&D Manager
• Apprenticeship Workplace Mentor
• University Academic Tutor (for apprenticeship‑related matters)

Apprenticeship Programme

This role is part of the Level 5 Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship (equivalent to a Higher National Diploma), delivered in collaboration with the University of Derby.

On Programme duration: 36 months, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.

End‑Point Assessment (EPA): Professional discussion (with e‑portfolio), and a project with a technical health & safety report plus presentation.

Job Purpose

Support the R&D and Quality Control functions in formulation development and raw material evaluation for building products. This role ensures compliance with technical production standards, contributes to NPD (New Product Development), and supports the apprenticeship training objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Formulation & R&D Support

• Assist development of new screed, tile adhesive, grout, primer, epoxy membrane, acrylic membrane, and concrete repair formulations.
• Conduct trials on alternative raw materials and new RMS.

Quality Control Assistance

• Perform lab‑based QC testing (e.g., consistency, set time, strength).
• Support data recording, analysis, and reporting.

Technical Production Liaison

• Interface with production team to troubleshoot formulation or process issues.
• Assist in investigations around product or process non‑conformity.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Uphold laboratory safety and environmental protocols.
• Contribute to risk assessments, method statements, and laboratory SHE standards.

Learning & Development (Apprenticeship‑linked)

• Maintain an e‑portfolio of evidence to support the EPA.
• Participate in learning blocks, tripartite reviews (every 8–12 weeks), and workplace‑learning integration.
• Complete assignments, management reports, technical documentation, reflective logs, and presentations.

Person Specification (Knowledge, Skills & Behaviors)

Qualifications

• GCSEs (Grade 4/C+) in Maths, English, and Science.
• Level 3 qualification (e.g., A‑Levels in Chemistry, Materials Technology) desirable.

Technical Knowledge

• Basic lab techniques used in building‑product formulation and QC testing.
• Understanding of raw material behaviour and cementitious/glue‑based systems.

Apprenticeship‑Specific Knowledge, Skills & Behaviors (KSBs)

• Health, safety, and environmental legislation, HSE hazards.
• Problem‑solving and quality systems (BS EN & ISO).
• Geo‑science fundamentals, sustainable production impacts.
• Preventative maintenance and cost‑benefit analysis basics.

Skills & Behaviors

• Excellent communication (written & verbal).
• Technical report writing & presentation capabilities.
• Strong organisational, time‑management & problem‑solving skills.
• Collaborative, reflective, and proactive learner.

Apprenticeship Delivery & Training

• Block‑release to University of Derby for taught modules, blended with workplace assignments.
• Tripartite Reviews every 8–12 weeks with apprentice, workplace mentor, and academic tutor.
• Assessment Methods: Workplace projects, reflective reports, oral assessments, technical presentations, e‑portfolio development.
• EPA Components: Professional discussion (with e‑portfolio), and technical health & safety project + presentation and questioning.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive apprentice salary aligned with N & C’s apprenticeship pay scales.
• 23 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Pension scheme and company benefits.
• Tuition paid by employer via apprenticeship funding (up to £16,000).
• Exposure to valuable qualifications and links with professional bodies.

Career Progression

• Potential progression to R&D Assistant, or Formulation Technologist upon completion.
• Eligibility for professional membership (e.g., Institute of Quarrying, IAT, ICT) via apprenticeship recognition.

Working Hours

• 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with the opportunity for overtime.
• Flexible study structure, reducing overall working time to 4 days per week.