Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Woodhurst Innovations

Tiro; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 18,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading training provider is offering a Chemistry Apprenticeship in Burton upon Trent. This role involves hands-on experience in product development, lab equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to regulations. Ideal for curious and motivated individuals eager to build a career in formulation science. The apprenticeship begins in February 2026 with competitive salary and potential for growth as a Formulation Chemist.

Benefits

Starting salary of £18,000 per year

30 hours per week

4-day working week

Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Curiosity and motivation to learn about product development.
• Ability to follow detailed procedures and maintain records.
• Willing to work in a fast-paced lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Support housekeeping and calibration of lab equipment.
• Assist with product development and testing new formulations.
• Maintain precise records of formulations and ingredients.
• Test and evaluate new fragrances and perform stability trials.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Location: Staffordshire

Compensation: £18,000 / year

Description

Location: Suite 24 Anglesey Business Centre, Anglesey Road, Burton-On-Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 3NT

This apprenticeship will commence in February 2026.

Working for Woodhurst Innovations Woodhurst Innovations is a leading independent aerosol and personal care product development company, founded in 2012 and based in Burton-on-Trent. We combine scientific expertise, creative formulation skills and a practical approach to innovation to deliver high-quality solutions across consumer and industrial markets.

Our work spans the full product lifecycle — from concept development and formulation through to testing, packaging and regulatory support. We partner with major brand-owners, contract manufacturers and new start-ups to help their ideas become successful, compliant products on the market.

At Woodhurst Innovations, you’ll be part of a small, highly skilled team that values curiosity, collaboration and hands-on learning. Apprentices work alongside experienced scientists and engineers, gaining real-world experience in formulation, product testing and problem-solving within a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Join us and be part of a company where innovation, technical excellence and teamwork drive the creation of safe and effective products used every day.

Visit our website → woodhurst-innovations.co.uk

The Package

• Starting salary of £18,000 per year
• 30 hours per week
• Monday to Thursday, 9:00am – 3:00pm
• 4-day working week
• Annual Leave (including 2 week Christmas Shutdown)

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We’re seeking someone who is organised, precise, and enjoys problem-solving. You’ll need strong attention to detail, especially when recording data and following established procedures. The right person will be adaptable to changing priorities, confident communicating with colleagues and suppliers, and able to use their initiative as their confidence grows.

Summary of duties

• Support the day-to-day housekeeping and calibration of laboratory equipment
• Assist with bench-scale product development, preparing samples and testing new formulations
• Follow detailed procedures to ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance with regulations
• Maintain precise records of formulations, ingredient codes, and development notes
• Develop a good understanding of cosmetic and chemical regulations, learning how to prepare ingredient lists and product information files for customers
• Gain knowledge of raw materials, building relationships with suppliers and attending training sessions
• Meet with customers (brand owners) to understand and interpret product development briefs
• Keep track of raw material stock levels and re-order supplies when needed
• Test and evaluate new fragrances, performing stability trials to determine product shelf life and report findings
• Attend seminars and trade events to build commercial and scientific awareness
• Provide general support across the lab and office, including administrative tasks where required

This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to work on a huge variety of products — from deodorants and self-tans to household sprays and fragrances. With the right attitude and commitment, this role can lead to a Formulation Chemist position, where you’ll be developing your own products and contributing directly to innovative new launches.

What could the future look like?

When you join Woodhurst Innovations, 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 the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Chemical Science.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You

We are looking for a curious, motivated, and enthusiastic individual with a genuine interest in how everyday products are developed - from cosmetics and deodorants to household sprays and fragrances.

The ideal candidate will enjoy practical, hands-on work and be eager to learn about formulation science, product testing, and the regulations that keep products safe and effective. You should be able to follow detailed procedures carefully, pay close attention to record keeping, and be adaptable to changing project priorities.

We’re seeking someone who enjoys working as part of a small, close-knit team - someone who is proactive, supportive of colleagues, and confident communicating with both suppliers and customers. You’ll need a strong eye for detail, a willingness to get involved in all areas of the lab, and the confidence to ask questions and share ideas.

This opportunity is ideal for someone looking to build a long-term career in product formulation and development. The right apprentice will have the chance to grow within the company, progressing into a Formulation Chemist role as their skills and understanding develop.

Please note a Full Driving License and access to your own car is a requirement, due to the nature of the role.

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 18 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 Woodhurst Innovations, who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, the 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.