Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Sun Chemical

Tiro; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training provider is looking for an Apprentice Laboratory Technician at the Rochdale Technical Centre. This role involves assisting in experimental work and maintaining safety standards while gaining hands-on experience in the chemical industry. The apprenticeship offers a salary of £20,815/year and the potential for a full-time position upon completion. Ideal for those looking to kickstart a career in laboratory science.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Interest in chemistry and materials.
• Proactive and willing to ask questions.
• Preferably a school or college leaver.

Responsibilities

• Assist with experimental work and laboratory procedures.
• Prepare and test samples to defined standards.
• Document experimental results accurately.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Attention to detail

Strong verbal communication

Job description

Overview

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Location: Rochdale

Compensation: £20,815 / year

Description

Location: Rochdale Technical Centre, Elizabethan Way Rochdale, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, OL16 4LE

Working for Sun Chemical

Beginning with the inspiring legacy of Lorilleux and Samuel Morrill in the early 1800’s, Sun Chemical has delivered over 200 years of color expertise, innovative technology and an ongoing commitment to quality and service for our customers.

A member of the DIC Group, Sun Chemical is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries.

Together with DIC, Sun Chemical’s 21,000+ employees are continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. Spread across 17 research and development centers worldwide, we’ve been granted over 3,000 patents and are determined to deliver the solutions you need.

The Package

• Starting salary of £20,815/year (Increasing to at least NMW after first 12 months)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (Increasing to 28 days)
• Working hours are 37.5 hours per week
• Flexitime 7:30am-6pm with core hours of 10am-2pm
• Company pension scheme
• Death in service scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
• Access to discount portal
• Cycle to work scheme
• Closed between Christmas and New Year

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Apprentice Laboratory Technician to join our innovative Research and Development team and play a key role in supporting experimental work and laboratory procedures. In this role, you will assist technologists and chemists in preparing and testing samples, maintaining equipment, and documenting results to ensure accuracy and compliance with safety standards.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent introduction to the chemical industry, offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and the chance to develop a wide range of technical and problem-solving skills in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Summary of duties

• Assist Technologists and Chemists with experimental work and laboratory procedures.
• Prepare and test laboratory scale samples of inks, coatings and intermediates to defined standards.
• Use and maintain laboratory equipment and materials in line with SunCare safety principles and policies.
• Document experimental processes and results accurately in lab notebooks and databases.
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and solve technical challenges.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to project discussions.
• Maintain a clean and organised laboratory workspace.

What could the future look like?

When you join Sun Chemical, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.

Through practical training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).

This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it's the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (primary and secondary), biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services, or educational institutions, the doors are wide open.

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as Applied Chemical Science.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You

You are curious, motivated, and eager to begin a hands-on career in laboratory science. You bring common sense and a practical approach to problem-solving, along with the ability to follow clear processes and work effectively in a regulated, safety-focused environment. Attention to detail comes naturally to you, and you take pride in completing tasks accurately and reliably.

You are comfortable using computers and learning new technologies, and you pick up new skills quickly. Strong verbal communication helps you collaborate effectively with colleagues and contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment. You are enthusiastic about science and technology, with an interest in chemistry, materials, or manufacturing processes. Above all, you are proactive, willing to ask questions, and ready to take ownership of your learning as you gain practical experience and build your confidence in the lab.

Experience

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous science experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career.

You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit right in.

Qualifications

It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are 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!

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship.

You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Sun Chemical who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career. Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.

The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!

Eligibility

While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

You’ll need to be over 16, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

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.