Laboratory Technician Chemistry Apprenticeship

AWE; Gosport; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

AWE PLC is offering a 24-month Laboratory Technician apprenticeship at a highly secure R&D site in the United Kingdom, with End Point Assessment to follow. You will gain practical laboratory experience while studying at college, learning sample preparation, testing and accurate result recording.

You will work with experienced scientists, develop safety discipline, and build professional behaviours essential for a career in science.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English and Maths (grade 4/C or above) are essential.
• GCSE Combined Science or a separate science subject (grade 6/B or above) is essential.
• You will learn laboratory safety, record keeping and quality checks during the apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Learn how laboratories operate, how samples are prepared and tested, and how results are recorded and reported.
• Apply good laboratory practice and follow step-by-step procedures to carry out tests.
• Develop communication and workplace skills through team-building sessions and professional skills workshops.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Problem solving

Administrative skills

Logical

Team working

Education

GCSEs including English and Maths (grade 4/C or above)

GCSE Combined Science or separate science subject (grade 6/B or above)

Job description

You will work in a unique scientific environment, helping with practical laboratory work that supports people, the environment and national security.

This apprenticeship combines practical, hands-on laboratory experience with academic study at college, providing you with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to build a successful career in science.

Throughout the programme, you will work alongside experienced scientists and technicians. You will learn how laboratories operate, how samples are prepared and tested, and how results are recorded and reported. You will also learn why accuracy, safety and following procedures are so important in a scientific workplace.

During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to:

• Work safely in a laboratory and understand how to protect yourself, others and the environment
• Handle, store and dispose of laboratory materials safely
• Follow good laboratory practice and understand why quality checks matter
• Prepare and process samples ready for testing
• Carry out scientific tests and understand what the results mean
• Use, check and look after laboratory equipment
• Record results clearly, look for patterns and report your findings
• Work carefully, accurately and follow step-by-step procedures
• Solve problems and suggest ways to improve how work is done
• Communicate clearly and work well with other people

You will also take part in activities that help you develop confidence and workplace skills, such as team-building sessions, professional skills workshops and opportunities to meet other people starting their careers.

Training

Please note this is a 24 month apprenticeship followed by the End Point Assessment.

What happens at the end

After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you would move into a laboratory technician role within DRPS at Alverstoke, supporting a range of scientific programmes and laboratory activities.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Logical
• Team working

Qualifications

• GCSE 5 GCSES inc English and Maths (grade 4/C or above) - essential
• GCSE Combined Science or a separate science subject (grade 6/B or above) - essential

Key details

• Wage: £16,750 a year
• Working week: 9 day fortnight. 33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day. 41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs. Please note hours may alter due to your offsite training establishment training times.
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Duration: 2 Years
• Start date: 2027-09-01
• Closing date: 2026-11-22
• Apprenticeship standard: Laboratory technician (level 3)
• Training provider: AWE PLC

About the employer

We’re a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK’s independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.
Our work is critical. We’re delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that’s just part of the story.
We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.
At AWE, you’ll find more than just a job. You’ll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.
Be extraordinary at AWE.