Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - The FPA

Tiro; Cotswold District; On-site; GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in fire safety, Tiro, is seeking a Laboratory Technician Apprentice. The role involves supporting fire resistance operations at the Fire Protection Association, offering hands-on experience and a pathway to future career opportunities in a specialized field. Apprentices will gain valuable skills and earn while they learn, with potential for career advancement upon completion.

Benefits

Salary increase upon apprenticeship completion

24 days annual leave + bank holidays

Optional Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Regular training & CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be aged 18+ and hold a full UK driving license.
• Motivated and eager to learn in a laboratory environment.
• Ability to work independently and adhere to deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Carefully check and record details of test samples before testing begins.
• Take part in fire resistance tests and communicate with clients on technical queries.
• Maintain safety protocols and assist with deliveries in lab environment.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication skills

Proactive approach

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Location: Blockley

Compensation: £20,000 / year

Description

Location: The Fire Protection Association, Units 1-4, Northcot Business Park, Station Road, Blockley, Gloucestershire, GL56 9LH

Working for the FPA

As the UK's national fire safety organisation, we work to identify the dangers of fire and help our clients reduce any fire-related risks. With the support of our fantastic team of people, our not-for-profit organisation continues to go from strength to strength, so there is no better time for you to begin a promising career with the Fire Protection Association. Our team are continuously making a difference in the industry, achieving a sense of fulfilment in the work they do. We offer employees a sense of purpose and a real contribution effect from the work that we do together.

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join our Fire Testing Laboratory. We're looking for a practical, detail-oriented team player to support our fire resistance operations. We’re keen to hear from individuals with a proactive approach, strong communication skills, and an interest in developing expertise in a specialist and unique field.

You can find out more about the FPA here:

Website
Youtube

The Package

• Salary up to £20,000 per annum
• Salary increase upon successful completion of apprenticeship
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm
• 35 hours per week
• 24 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Additional 3 days of leave, with company closure at Christmas
• Pension - up to 10% company contribution
• Optional Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Regular training & CPD opportunities
  
  

What will I be doing as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice?

Working under the supervision of the Fire Resistance Manager, you will:

• Carefully check and record details of test samples before testing begins
• Take part in fire resistance tests to support smooth, efficient operations
• Keep accurate records of test results and ensure all documents are completed correctly
• Operate a variety of equipment (such as forklifts or other machinery), if appropriately trained and certified (please note training will also be provided for unlicenced employees.)
• Follow standard procedures and safety guidelines, including those set by UKAS
• Communicate clearly with clients when answering technical questions (training will support you with this)
• Help maintain a safe working environment during fire tests and in the laboratory
• Assist with deliveries, checking that materials and equipment are correct and undamaged
• Follow all safety procedures and report any issues or near misses immediately
• Quickly flag any problems or errors to the Fire Resistance Manager to avoid delays in the testing process
  

What does the future hold?


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 a niche fire testing laboratory environment.

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!

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

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About you

This is a very hands on and practical role so to succeed in this position, you'll love to try new things and get stuck in.

We’re looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You’ll be able to use your good attention to detail to identifying problems, defects and record observations. The ability to think on your feet is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role, and you'll have an utmost respect for health & safety!

Everyday will be different and you'll have the opportunity to work closely with the team to succeed. You'll need to be a good 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!

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 18+, and hold a full UK driving license with access to your own car.

Before applying, please check your commute! You must be able to reliably commute to the FPA within 45 minutes.

Qualifications


It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. 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 FPA.

Skills & Characteristics


Laboratories are a tightly run ship – particularly those that are UKAS accredited! To thrive in this role, you will need:

• An accurate, systematic method of working
• Excellent attention to detail
• A keen interest in science
• Strong organisation skills
• Motivation and drive
• The ability to work independently and adhere to deadlines
  
  

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 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 the FPA 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 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.