Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Kiwa

Tiro; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days leave

Company Pension

Life Assurance 4x salary

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Kiwa UK offers a Level 3 Materials Technician Apprenticeship in Derby. The role involves hands‑on testing of soils and ground conditions on construction sites, outdoors with travel to various sites, sampling and geotechnical testing.

Starts ASAP with a starting salary of £25,000, 37.5 hours per week, and a structured blended learning program. You must be 21+, hold a full UK driving licence and have a CSCS card.

Qualifications

• Be 21 or over
• Not be in full‑time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK

Responsibilities

• Travel to different sites to take samples and carry out geotechnical testing
• Carry out plate testing, including settlement and CBR tests
• Learn about different soil properties
• Check testing equipment before use and ensure it is working correctly
• Accurately record test information and results
• Support basic sample preparation in the laboratory when returning from site
• Follow safe working practices and health and safety procedures

Job description

Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Kiwa

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Derby

Compensation: £25,000 / year

Description

Location: Derby, DE1 3QB

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Working for Kiwa UK

Kiwa is a global testing, inspection and certification company, helping businesses understand the quality, safety and performance of their products, materials and processes. Within its geotechnical team, Kiwa carries out testing of soils and ground conditions to support construction projects.

As a Materials Technician Apprentice, you’ll support by carrying out testing of soils and ground conditions on construction sites. This is a hands‑on, outdoor role where you’ll travel to different sites, take samples and carry out geotechnical tests while developing your practical and technical skills.

Please note: You must be 21+, hold a full UK driving licence and have a CSCS card for this role.

Kiwa Website

The Package

• Starting salary of £25,000 per annum
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy additional leave
• Annual leave entitlement increases with length of service
• Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Flexible working times and occasional paid overtime may be required.
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Milestone Rewards, charity donations, personal gifts and retail vouchers
• Company Bonus Scheme
• Company Pension
• Life Assurance, 4x your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• 24/7 GP Service
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Key Responsibilities

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an apprentice to join Kiwa in supporting the accurate testing of soils and ground conditions across different construction sites.

This apprenticeship provides a hands‑on introduction to geotechnical testing, giving you the opportunity to develop practical and technical skills while working alongside experienced colleagues:

• Travel to different sites to take samples and carry out geotechnical testing
• Carry out plate testing, including settlement and CBR tests
• Learn about different soil properties,
• Check testing equipment before use and ensure it is working correctly
• Accurately record test information and results
• Support basic sample preparation in the laboratory when returning from site
• Follow safe working practices and health and safety procedures

About You

You’re practical, reliable and enjoy hands‑on work. You’re interested in understanding how soils and ground conditions are tested and are comfortable spending much of your time outdoors on different sites, including working in wet and cold conditions.

You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail and accurately recording your work. You understand the importance of following testing procedures and taking health and safety seriously, particularly when working on construction sites and using testing equipment.

You’re a good problem solver, willing to learn and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. A technical background would be an advantage, but most importantly, you’re motivated to develop your skills and build a career in geotechnical testing.

Please note: You must be 21+, hold a full UK driving licence and have a CSCS card for this role.

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:

• Be 21 or over
• Not be in full‑time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK

Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you, get in touch and we can advise you further.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands‑on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.

As part of this Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site‑based environment.

Learn more about the programme here. Over 20 months, you’ll combine day‑to‑day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in‑person training, and hands‑on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.

You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off‑the‑job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.

What your training will look like: You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands‑on workplace training to build your skills step by step.

What could your future look like?

This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a materials technician and progress within the industry.

Through hands‑on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.

If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher‑level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.