Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - WRc Group

Tiro; Swindon; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in environmental science is seeking a Laboratory Technician Apprentice in Swindon. This role includes logging samples, preparing and analyzing them, and maintaining lab safety standards. Candidates must be over 18 years old and able to lift heavy samples. This apprenticeship offers practical hands-on training and a path to a full-time position, aiming to build a rewarding career in materials science and environmental management.

Benefits

Life assurance

Private Health Care Plan

Flexible benefits programme

Contributory Pension Scheme

37 hours work week

Qualifications

• Must be over 18 years of age.
• Ability to work well in a team and follow safety guidelines.
• Good timekeeping and ability to lift heavy samples.

Responsibilities

• Log samples into the database.
• Prep samples and run basic tests.
• Keep the lab organized and clean.

Skills

Health and safety compliance

Team collaboration

Sample processing accuracy

Flexibility

Job description

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Wiltshire

Compensation: £19,240 - £23,809 / year

Address: Frankland Road, Blagrove, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 8YF

Working for WRc Group

Our mission is to be established innovation leaders that deliver innovation through collaboration and technical excellence. We create value in all that we do, and our solutions help clients meet future goals and challenges. Our priority is to deliver exceptional service that enables clients to achieve revenue growth and improved profitability sustainably.

The Package

• Starting salary of £19,240 – £23,809 per year (depending on age)
• Life assurance
• Private Health Care Plan after the probationary period
• Flexible benefits programme (option to buy additional holidays, health cash plan, discounted gym membership)
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Work hours: 37 hours per week, 08:30 am – 04:30 pm (some flexibility)

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join our Waste & Resources lab team, supporting day‑to‑day environmental testing and laboratory operations. In this role you will gain hands‑on experience preparing and analysing samples, recording results, and assisting with equipment checks, helping to ensure accuracy and safety throughout our lab processes.

This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a future career in environmental science and laboratory work, offering opportunities to develop practical skills, technical knowledge, and a strong understanding of waste and resource management in a supportive, learning‑focused environment.

Summary of Duties

• Logging samples into our database.
• Prepping samples (mixing, weighing, drying, sorting with safety gear).
• Running basic tests (moisture checks, ignition loss).
• Recording results in spreadsheets.
• Keeping the lab clean and organized.
• Assisting with equipment checks and calibrations.

Additional Expectations

• Follow all health & safety rules and speak up if something is off.
• Process waste samples efficiently and accurately.
• Suggest ways to improve lab processes.
• Collaborate, communicate, and contribute as a team player.
• Stay flexible and help with other tasks as required.

Note: You must be 18+ to apply due to Health & Safety. This role will also require some heavy lifting at times.

What could the future look like?

When you join WRc, the possibilities for your success are limitless. A successful applicant has the potential to secure a full‑time position within the company at the conclusion of the apprenticeship. Through practical, on‑the‑job training you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis, paving the way toward a rewarding career in materials science. The programme is a stepping stone to becoming a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech) and can open pathways across construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

You are safety‑savvy, always following health and safety guidelines and speaking up when necessary. You take pride in processing samples accurately and efficiently, and you are happy to suggest ways to improve processes. You work well as part of a team, collaborate, and communicate effectively. You are flexible and can help with other tasks as needed. Good timekeeping and comfortable with the physical aspects of the role, including lifting heavy samples and manual handling, are required.

Experience and Qualifications

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous experience can be helpful, it is 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 are enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you will fit right in.

Apprenticeship Structure

Over 18 months you will devote a minimum of 6 hours a week to ‘off‑the‑job’ training, including theory (virtual lessons & online learning) and practical training (shadowing, mentoring, assignment work). This will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship. You will be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro and a mentor at WRc who together will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits needed to succeed. You will earn a salary while you gain your qualifications, avoiding large student loans at the end of the programme.

Eligibility

You must 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 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 the programmes are designed for upskilling or reskilling.

Application

If you do not quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.