Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Special Melted Products (SMP)

TN United Kingdom; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in specialty metals is seeking enthusiastic Materials Testing Technician Apprentices in Sheffield. This exciting role offers hands-on experience in preparing metal samples and conducting a variety of tests to ensure compliance with industry standards. As part of a world-class team, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge in a supportive environment, with opportunities for career advancement in fields like aerospace and engineering. With a competitive salary and comprehensive training, this apprenticeship is a stepping stone to a rewarding career in materials science and laboratory testing.

Benefits

33 days of annual leave

Full sick pay after 1 year

Regular training & CPD opportunities

Qualifications

• Solid foundation of Maths, English & Science at GCSE level.
• Passion for learning and gaining hands-on experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare metal samples for testing and perform metallurgical evaluations.
• Maintain and calibrate testing equipment and furnaces.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Mathematics

Science Knowledge

Communication Skills

Education

GCSE in Maths

GCSE in English

GCSE in Science

Tools

Metallurgical Testing Equipment

Data Analysis Software

Job description

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Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Special Melted Products (SMP), Sheffield

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Client:

Location:

Sheffield, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

cd6b82092d70

Job Views:

3

Posted:

10.05.2025

Expiry Date:

24.06.2025

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Job Description:

Description

Location: Commercial Testing Services Laboratory, Blackmore Street, Sheffield, S4 7UU

Working for SMP

At Special Melted Products we have a long history, with a metals production lineage dating back to the 1800’s. The company has developed into a manufacturer of premium, speciality steels and nickel based Super Alloys used in critical applications for the Aerospace, Oil & Gas and Civil Nuclear industries.

We pride ourselves on having a world class team with exceptional capabilities, offering high levels of customer service and product innovation. In our chosen industrial field, we are a “one stop shop” for multiple melted alloys and components.

We are now looking for two enthusiastic Materials Testing Technician Apprentices (Level 3) to join our team!

The Package

• Starting salary: £15,771.08 per annum (increasing to National Minimum Wage after 12 months if applicable)
• Working hours: 37.5 hours per week – day shifts
• 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays
• Full sick pay after 1 year of service
• Regular training & CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as a Materials Testing Technician Apprentice?

As an Apprentice, you’ll work as part of a team preparing metal samples for testing, carrying out heat treatment and performing a range of analytical, mechanical, and metallographic testing to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Carry out a range of metallurgical testing including tensile, hardness, impact, creep strain, stress rupture, grain size, OES, XRF, Leco, AA, macrostructure and microstructure evaluations.
• Ensure testing is carried out in accordance with the relevant procedure.
• Evaluate the results against the relevant specification.
• Ensure testing equipment is maintained and calibrated prior to use.
• Carry out heat treatment in accordance with specifications.
• Ensure furnaces are maintained and calibrated prior to use.
• Work in a safe and efficient manner. Participate in company safety initiatives.
• Work to provide results in a timely manner in accordance with planned dates.
• Communicate well with team colleagues and technical supervision.
• Participate in internal, external training and audits as required.
• Assist with improvements to procedures, equipment, operating methods etc. to increase laboratory efficiency.

What could the future look like?

When you join SMP, 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 training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.

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

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

About you

The ideal candidate for SMP will have a positive approach to learning, with a solid foundation of Maths, English & Science at a GCSE level!

You’ll have a passion for learning, and the desire to gain hands on experience in an analytical role. A keen interest in materials science, engineering, or laboratory testing is essential!

SMP are looking for an individual who enjoys taking an analytical approach to their work, with a keen eye for detail and an inquisitive nature to ask questions and continue your personal development.

You’ll have the ability to pick up new systems quickly, and will be comfortable using new software’s for data analysis and reporting.

Health & Safety is key in this role, so it’s important that you take a responsible approach to working, and are dedicated to maintaining high standards, at all times! You’ll take ownership of your responsibilities and be comfortable collaborating with a strong team.

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 17+ and be reliably able to commute to site within 45 minutes.

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 up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!

Experience

We’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at SMP.

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 SMPwho 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 17, 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.