Laboratory Technician (Chemistry) Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) - BYK Additives & Instruments

Location: BYK Additives Limited, Moorfield Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 3AA

BYK Additives & Instruments is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments. Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as rheology, scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives.

The coatings, inks and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK additives. BYK additives improve final product characteristics and production processes in other fields such as the oil & gas industry and manufacture of personal care, adhesive, sealant and construction products.

The site, at Moorfield Road, Widnes, has been the home of inorganic chemical manufacture since 1923 and currently employs more than 100 people. Today the company is the biggest division within the ALTANA Group (www.altana.com) and employs around 2,200 people worldwide.

At Tiro, we make great things happen for people. And that starts with you. In this role you’ll receive:

• Starting salary is £20,451.60 - £24,971.40 (depending on age)
• Working hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8am - 4pm
• Flexible working hours once settled into the role
• 25 days annual plus bank holidays
• Pension
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

At BYK, you will be working in an environment of innovation that promotes the individuals’ ideas and skills and prioritizes open cooperation based on trust.

What will I be doing as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice?

BYK Additives Ltd. are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualifications through our Level 6 (degree) Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.

The successful apprentice will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

• Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
• Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations and production processes.
• Carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
• Prepare samples.
• Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example viscometers, conductivity and pH meters.
• Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
• Maintain good accurate written records of work carried out.
• Record and interpret results to present to senior colleagues.
• Use computers and perform mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs.
• Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
• Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
• Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research.
• Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner.
• Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology required for the sector & job role.

From day one you will be working with industry experts helping you to develop world class skills. You will work in an energised and supportive environment with a personal mentor and earn a competitive salary.

This programme is designed to enable existing team members or new recruits to develop the knowledge skills, and behaviours needed to fulfil their vital role. Once you’ve qualified, you’ll be eligible to join the Register of Science Technicians (RSciTech) through an appropriate industry body.

This apprenticeship offers an exceptional platform for you to enhance your leadership skills and take on more significant responsibilities. As you progress, you'll find avenues to further develop your leadership acumen, fostering your ability to guide and inspire teams. Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior technician and management roles.

Furthermore, an exciting prospect within this role lies in the potential transition to the Research & Development department. This department specializes in conducting tailored in-house testing, presenting you with a unique chance to immerse yourself in cutting-edge processes and innovation.

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will be recognised!

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• This is a very hands on and practical role so you should be willing to get stuck in and learn from the offset!
• We’re seeking somebody who loves to be busy and enjoys the practical side of working so if you love to use your brain and your hands, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
• BYK Additives are all about the long-term! So with this in mind, you should be able to demonstrate your love for Science, as well as a clear passion for starting a long-term career in a laboratory!
• We’re looking for someone who is focussed and careful in all aspects of work. You’ll be results oriented, and able to use logical and analytical thinking to undertake your tasks and record your observations.
• The ability to think on your feet is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role – you will have good health & safety awareness, and be able to work towards strict H&S guidelines.
• It’s crucial in this position that you’re comfortable using a computer, can pick up new systems quickly and have a basic understanding of Microsoft Office.
• At points, you’ll be working with different areas of the business, so it’s important that you’re a confident and comfortable communicator!
• You must hold a relevant A level (Science) or previous experience of working in a laboratory.

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!

At Tiro, 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!

However, to be eligible for a Level 6 Apprenticeship, you must hold a relevant A level (Science) or previous experience of working in a laboratory.

Whilst previous experience is great, we’re also looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at BYK Additives.

Our Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6) are designed to provide fearless scientists in the making with a head start in their chosen career. Giving you the best of both worlds, you’ll receive a recognised and accredited qualification whilst obtaining hands on practical experience.

At Tiro, we’ve partnered with Middlesex University to offer a variety of degree apprenticeship programs in the field of science including Applied Materials Sciences. Our programs are designed to give you the best of both worlds: academic learning and practical training that will set you up for success in your chosen career path.

Our programs are designed to offer an alternative to graduate schemes, providing opportunities for ambitious and driven individuals with exceptional talent in STEM to progress their careers while also earning a salary.

At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board.

Over 33 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation.

You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments.

You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at BYK Additives Ltd who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.

At Tiro, our vision is to deliver transformational learning, developing apprentices into obsessive science and technology professionals and leaders, who succeed and thrive in industry.

With that in mind we are looking for curious, inquiring learners, determined to continually develop core and technical skills and knowledge in their field. Our Apprentices are independent and motivated workers; they have a growth mind-set and a self-reflective approach to learning.

You’ll be fearless, ambitious, and hungry for progression onto higher levels of learning.

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.

We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars). In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.

We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.

Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.