Material jobs in United Kingdom

Higher Apprentice – Laboratory Technician

N & C Building Products, Burslem, Stoke on Trent, ST6 3BJ, UK

Apprentices will also attend block-release sessions at the University of Derby’s Centre for Mineral Products.

• Laboratory & R&D Manager
• Apprenticeship Workplace Mentor
• University Academic Tutor (for apprenticeship‑related matters)

This role is part of the Level 5 Mineral Products Technician Higher Apprenticeship (equivalent to a Higher National Diploma), delivered in collaboration with the University of Derby.

On Programme duration: 36 months, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.

End‑Point Assessment (EPA): Professional discussion (with e‑portfolio), and a project with a technical health & safety report plus presentation.

Support the R&D and Quality Control functions in formulation development and raw material evaluation for building products. This role ensures compliance with technical production standards, contributes to NPD (New Product Development), and supports the apprenticeship training objectives.

• Assist development of new screed, tile adhesive, grout, primer, epoxy membrane, acrylic membrane, and concrete repair formulations.
• Conduct trials on alternative raw materials and new RMS.

• Perform lab‑based QC testing (e.g., consistency, set time, strength).
• Support data recording, analysis, and reporting.

• Interface with production team to troubleshoot formulation or process issues.
• Assist in investigations around product or process non‑conformity.

• Uphold laboratory safety and environmental protocols.
• Contribute to risk assessments, method statements, and laboratory SHE standards.

• Maintain an e‑portfolio of evidence to support the EPA.
• Participate in learning blocks, tripartite reviews (every 8–12 weeks), and workplace‑learning integration.
• Complete assignments, management reports, technical documentation, reflective logs, and presentations.

• GCSEs (Grade 4/C+) in Maths, English, and Science.
• Level 3 qualification (e.g., A‑Levels in Chemistry, Materials Technology) desirable.

• Basic lab techniques used in building‑product formulation and QC testing.
• Understanding of raw material behaviour and cementitious/glue‑based systems.

• Health, safety, and environmental legislation, HSE hazards.
• Problem‑solving and quality systems (BS EN & ISO).
• Geo‑science fundamentals, sustainable production impacts.
• Preventative maintenance and cost‑benefit analysis basics.

• Excellent communication (written & verbal).
• Technical report writing & presentation capabilities.
• Strong organisational, time‑management & problem‑solving skills.
• Collaborative, reflective, and proactive learner.

• Block‑release to University of Derby for taught modules, blended with workplace assignments.
• Tripartite Reviews every 8–12 weeks with apprentice, workplace mentor, and academic tutor.
• Assessment Methods: Workplace projects, reflective reports, oral assessments, technical presentations, e‑portfolio development.
• EPA Components: Professional discussion (with e‑portfolio), and technical health & safety project + presentation and questioning.

• Competitive apprentice salary aligned with N & C’s apprenticeship pay scales.
• 23 days holiday + bank holidays.
• Pension scheme and company benefits.
• Tuition paid by employer via apprenticeship funding (up to £16,000).
• Exposure to valuable qualifications and links with professional bodies.

• Potential progression to R&D Assistant, or Formulation Technologist upon completion.
• Eligibility for professional membership (e.g., Institute of Quarrying, IAT, ICT) via apprenticeship recognition.

• 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday with the opportunity for overtime.
• Flexible study structure, reducing overall working time to 4 days per week.