Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Element

Tiro; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading apprenticeship provider in High Wycombe is offering a Materials Technician Apprenticeship. You'll gain hands-on experience in fire resistance testing while working under expert mentorship. This role provides a solid foundation for a career in materials science and offers a starting salary of £23,500 per year along with opportunities for professional development and progression within the company.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employee assistance programmes

Regular training and CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be over 16 and have the right to work in the UK.
• No essential prior experience required, but a genuine interest is valued.
• Must live within a 45-minute commute to the site.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and safety standards.
• Assist in fabrication and installation of test specimens.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Enthusiasm for materials science

Tools

Hand tools

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: High Wycombe

Compensation: £23,500 / year

Ready to dive in, get hands‑on, and put materials to the test? Discover your perfect match at the Fire and Building Products Laboratory, where Elements fuel your passion!

Location: Fire and Building Products Laboratory, Chiltern House, Stocking Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP14 4ND

Working for Element

The High Wycombe facility specialises in product and materials testing and is UKAS accredited to undertake testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, acoustic testing of building components, mechanical testing of construction products (specialising in timber and fasteners) and pre‑completion air leakage and sound insulation testing of buildings. Located just 35 miles west of London, we have been providing testing services to the construction industry for over 40 years.

Everyone at Element lives and breathes three core values. In our day‑to‑day work, we are guided by our values of Integrity, Care and Progress. We are committed to personal and professional development, and you will be supported and mentored at every step of your journey with us. You will join a large team of industry‑leading, expert professionals and receive exposure to some of the best opportunities and challenges available.

The Package

• Starting salary is £23,500 per year
• Working hours are 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday (shift patterns including 9am – 5pm; 7am – 3pm; 12pm – 8pm)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee assistance programmes
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

We are not your average TIC company and pride ourselves on putting integrity, progress and care at the core of everything we do.

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Technician Apprentice to join our team, supporting day‑to‑day laboratory operations and fire resistance testing under the supervision of the Lead Technician. In this role you’ll prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests, assist with the fabrication and installation of test specimens and supporting constructions, and ensure that all laboratory, testing and safety equipment is properly maintained. You’ll also take part in the demolition and disposal of test remains, contributing to the smooth running and high standards of the testing environment.

This apprenticeship offers an excellent foundation for a future career in fire testing and materials evaluation, giving you the chance to develop a wide range of practical, technical and problem‑solving skills. It’s a great way to begin your journey with Element – gaining real‑world experience while studying for a nationally recognised qualification, with full support and guidance every step of the way.

Summary of duties

Under the supervision of the Lead Technician you’ll prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests, alongside maintaining the testing/safety equipment and laboratory to a standard suitable for the testing undertaken.

• Fabrication of supporting constructions for test specimens
• Fabrication of specialist constructions required for tests
• Installation of test specimens
• Instrumentation of test specimens
• Conduct tests
• Demolition and disposal of test remains
• Maintenance of laboratory, test equipment and safety equipment

This opportunity is a great way to begin your journey with Element by gaining real‑life work experience while you study for a nationally recognised qualification. We'll support you at every stage throughout your apprenticeship, providing you with the opportunity to learn new skills and get stuck in with some exciting projects.

NOTE – due to the nature of this position you must be aged 18+, hold a full UK driving licence and live within a 45‑minute commute to the site.

What could the future look like?

When you join Element, 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, on‑the‑job training you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors.

We also offer the chance to pursue higher‑level qualifications, such as a BSc in Applied Materials Science.

About You

We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and absorb new skills and is capable of using a variety of hand tools. You must be a good communicator, a team player at all levels, and capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner.

Experience

We value attitude, curiosity and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous 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. Whether you are a school or college leaver or someone looking to retrain, 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 upfront 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 Materials Technician apprenticeship.

You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro and an experienced mentor at Element 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

To be eligible you must demonstrate that the programme will provide learning and experiences beyond your current qualifications and professional expertise. You must 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 do not yet meet these minimum requirements let us know your interest and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further.