Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - The Birmingham Assay Office

Tiro; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A training provider for apprenticeships is seeking a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprentice in Birmingham. This role offers hands-on training in a laboratory environment, focusing on the analysis of precious metals and materials. Successful candidates will develop practical skills and gain experience working with advanced equipment. The apprenticeship presents opportunities for a full-time position and further career advancement within the industry.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Health Cash Plan

Enhanced Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and actively engage in practical roles.
• Interest in chemistry and scientific methods.
• Ability to work in a team and take initiative.

Responsibilities

• Analyze samples using various analytical techniques.
• Prepare and handle laboratory equipment and materials.
• Adhere to safety and compliance standards in the laboratory.

Skills

Curiosity

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Education

No specific degree required

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Computer systems

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Birmingham

Compensation: £19,000 / year

Description


Location: 1 Moreton St, Birmingham B1 3AX

Working for The Birmingham Assay Office


The Birmingham Assay Office is a leading authority in the testing, hallmarking, and certification of precious metals and gemstones, it provides advanced analytical services, valuations, and gem grading, supporting quality assurance across the jewellery, fashion, and consumer goods industries. With a strong focus on innovation, education, and consumer protection, The Birmingham Assay Office plays a vital role in maintaining industry standards and trust.

At our Analytical Laboratory, we’re proud to offer a diverse array of industry standard and unique testing, together with certification services and expert analysis across multiple industries. While we have a rich history of specialising in the analysis of precious metals, we’ve expanded our capability significantly in recent years. Through investment and understanding market trends, we’ve gained extensive knowledge and experiences in testing various products including costume jewellery, watches, luxury products, fashion items, other consumer goods and metal recovery/exploration. It’s worth mentioning that our Analytical Laboratory holds UKAS Accreditation, ensuring the highest quality in a wide range of international tests, including those required for product safety compliance under REACH and RoHS and US regulations and legislations.

We are now looking for an inquisitive and energetic apprentice to join our laboratory team as a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprentice!

Find out more about The Birmingham Assay Office’s rich history here:

Website
The Package

• Starting salary: £19,000 per annum (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months, if applicable)
• Working hours: 37 hours per week
• Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm, flexibility start times available
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Additional 3 days of leave given to cover Christmas shut down once probation is passed
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health Cash Plan
• Death in Service Benefit
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Length of Service Awards
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
  
  

What will I be doing as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice?

Kickstart your career in science and metallurgy with hands-on experience in a specialist laboratory! As an Apprentice Laboratory Technician, you’ll learn how to analyse precious/ base metals, platinum group metals and rare earth elements as well as work with cutting-edge equipment and gain practical skills that are highly valued in the industry.

You’ll be trained by real-world professionals, develop a deep understanding of chemical testing and contribute to exciting projects from day one.

• Precious metal analysis, including weighing the samples, carrying out operational procedures of potentiometric titration, cupellation and acid parting, calculating the results and producing a report
• Operating XRF and ICP-OES spectrometers to analyse a variety of samples including precious/base metal content, rare earth elements and plating thickness determination
• Provide operational to other staff
• Preparing samples and associated reagents
• Following methods of analysis for testing of samples to satisfy appropriate regulatory and in house compliance
• Touch acid testing
• Washing of glassware will be required an ad hoc basis amongst the laboratory team
• Use of internal systems to be able to create and process customer orders, type reports, invoice jobs, etc.
• Liaising with internal and external Customers
• Ensure adherence and maintenance of all ISO accreditation
  

What could the future look like?

When you join The Birmingham Assay Office, 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 can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.

This apprenticeship program also 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 apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Applied Chemical Science Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

About you

This is a very hands on and practical role, so you should be willing to get stuck in and be hungry to learn from the offset!

To succeed in this position, you will bring a natural curiosity for how things work and a keen interest in science, particularly in chemistry. You’ll be someone who enjoys working with your hands as much as your mind, and you thrive in environments where precision and attention to detail matter.

A hunger to learn, ask questions, and take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work will help you succeed in this role.

You’ll be proactive and reliable, bringing a strong sense of responsibility to the work you do, whether that’s preparing samples, supporting technical procedures, or collaborating with your team. You understand the importance of safety, cleanliness, and consistency in a laboratory setting, and you're always ready to roll up your sleeves and support the team where needed—even with tasks like cleaning equipment or organising materials.

Good communication skills will help you interact confidently with colleagues and customers, and you’ll be comfortable using basic computer systems to log data, produce reports, or track orders.

Most importantly, you’ll bring a positive attitude, enthusiasm to learn, and the drive to build a meaningful career in a specialised and exciting area of science.

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 18+ and we are only able to accept applicants who live within a 45-minute commuting distance to site.

Qualifications

It’s not just about school results, it’s about enthusiasm! In our experience, the most successful apprentices are those who have drive 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 The Birmingham Assay Office.

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 20 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 The Birmingham Assay Office 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 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 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.