Materials Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Wallwork

Tiro; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology apprenticeship provider in Cambridge is seeking a Heat Treatment Technician Apprentice. In this role, you'll gain practical experience in materials testing and analysis, supporting vital industries. With a starting salary of £10.00 per hour, this apprenticeship offers a solid foundation for a rewarding career in materials engineering, with potential for full-time employment upon completion.

Benefits

Starting salary of £10.00 per hour

Annual leave

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Detail-oriented individual with strong communication skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Keen interest in lab work and chemical analysis.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze metallic samples using specialized tools.
• Conduct chemical etching and metallurgical analysis.
• Perform visual inspections and produce technical reports.
• Assist in equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Participate in internal audits and quality checks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Basic IT skills

Interest in science

Education

A-Levels or BTECs in Chemistry or Engineering

Tools

Hardness testers

Scanning electron microscopes (SEM)

X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

Optical profilometers

Tensile testers

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Cambridge

Compensation: £10.00 / hour

Description


Location: Buckingway Business Park, Rowles Way, Swavesey, Cambridge, CB24 4UG

Working for Wallwork Heat Treatment

Wallwork Heat Treatment Cambridge is a key part of Wallwork’s nationwide network, delivering advanced heat treatment, vacuum brazing, and plasma nitriding services to some of the UK’s most high-performance industries. From aerospace to motorsport, our Cambridge facility plays a vital role in ensuring components meet the highest standards of durability, strength, and precision.

We’re proud to support the next generation of engineers and technicians. As a Heat Treatment Technician Apprentice at our Cambridge site, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced, technical environment. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-leading equipment, learn the science behind thermal processes, and take the first steps toward a long-term, meaningful career in materials engineering.

The Package

• Starting salary of £10.00 per hour (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if applicable)
• 8:00am – 4:00pm, Monday to Friday
• Annual Leave
• Pension scheme
  
  

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

As a Materials Technician Apprentice at Wallwork you’ll play a key role in supporting our metallurgical and quality assurance teams, helping to ensure components meet the highest standards of strength, precision, and performance.

This hands-on apprenticeship will give you a solid foundation in materials testing and analysis. Working in a well-equipped laboratory alongside experienced professionals, you’ll develop practical skills and technical knowledge in the testing of treated metals and materials used in critical industries such as aerospace, motorsport, and medical engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and analyse metallic samples using specialist tools, including hardness testers, scanning electron microscopes (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), optical profilometers, tensile and impact testers.
  
  
• Carry out chemical etching and metallurgical analysis to examine the structure and properties of treated materials.
  
  
• Perform visual inspections and support the production of detailed technical reports based on laboratory findings.
  
  
• Assist with calibration and maintenance of testing equipment to ensure accurate, reliable results.
  
  
• Take part in internal audits and quality checks to uphold industry certifications and customer standards.
  
  
• Maintain high standards of laboratory housekeeping and follow strict health and safety procedures.
  
  
• Engage in structured training and development activities to build your expertise in materials science and laboratory practice.
  
  

This apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to start a rewarding career in materials engineering with one of the UK’s leading heat treatment specialists.


What does the future hold?


When you join Wallwork, 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.

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 Materials or Applied Chemistry Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About you

You are a detail-oriented individual with strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to work effectively within a team and contribute to high-quality laboratory analysis. Your ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment ensures that you maintain accuracy and attention to detail when performing chemical tests, recording data, and following analytical procedures.

With a solid grasp of basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office, you are confident in accurately documenting and managing test results. Your excellent organisational, planning, and time-management skills allow you to follow structured test methods, perform precise calculations, and report findings clearly.

A keen interest in science, particularly in laboratory work and chemical analysis, drives your curiosity and motivation to develop technical expertise. Your enthusiasm for learning and commitment to maintaining high standards make you a strong fit for this apprenticeship opportunity.

Please note: Due to the nature of this role, candidate's must be aged 18+ at the start of their apprenticeship.

Qualifications

We believe passion and determination matter more than specific qualifications. While a strong foundation in science—such as A-Levels or BTECs in Chemistry, Engineering, or a related field—is advantageous, what truly sets successful apprentices apart is their drive to learn, adaptability, and ability to engage with new challenges.

If you’re eager to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, keen to develop your skills through real-world learning, and ready to contribute to our materials testing and analysis work, we’d love to hear from you.

Experience

We value enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn above all. Whether you have experience from academic studies, hands-on practical work, or personal projects, we are looking for someone eager to develop their skills and grow within our team. If you are curious, proactive, and motivated to understand materials testing, you will thrive in this role.

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 Wallwork 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.

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.