Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - SoilEx

Aptamer Group; Singapore; Hybrid; SGD 38,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Geotechnical Technician Apprentice to assist in soil and waste sampling projects across the UK. This role provides hands-on experience in data collection and compliance, crucial for a career in geoenvironmental services. Candidates should be above 21 with a full UK driving license. The apprenticeship lasts 21 months with a salary of £22,000/year and includes training and development opportunities.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private Healthcare

Company pension scheme

Regular training and CPD opportunities

Company van and fuel card

Qualifications

• Must be 21+ with a full UK driving license.
• Confidence and enthusiasm for working in a team.
• A genuine interest in the geotechnical field.

Responsibilities

• Support field-based sampling and investigation projects.
• Conduct assessments of materials on-site.
• Liaise with site personnel for efficient scheduling.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Adaptability

Reliability

Job description

Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - SoilEx

Department: Science

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: South East

Compensation: £22,000 / year

Location: Role requires travel to national sites (Head office: 104 Russell Building, West Common, Harpenden AL5 2JQ)

Working for SoilEx

SoilEx was founded in 2019 by Alex Collman, who’s 15 years of experience in the industry led him to recognise a gap in the construction waste sector supply chain. We began in a small office in Hemel Hempstead. As the service grew, we added new offices and a digital portal ConnEx. We launched ExBox and ExBag and are committed to our mission.

Package

• Starting salary of £22,000/year (Increasing to NMW after 12 months, depending on age)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private Healthcare
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
• Company van – Fuel card

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are delighted to offer an opportunity for a Geotechnical Technician Apprentice (Level 3) to join our team, supporting the delivery of field‑based sampling and investigation projects across the UK. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate data collection and compliance with industry standards, working on‑site to gather, document, and communicate essential information that underpins project success.

This apprenticeship provides a solid foundation for a career in geoenvironmental and geotechnical services, offering the chance to gain hands‑on experience in soil and waste sampling, site assessment, and technical reporting. You will develop a broad set of practical and professional skills while working alongside experienced colleagues in a supportive environment.

Summary of duties: Due to the nature of this role and insurance purposes, you must be 21+ and have a full UK driving licence.

Site‑Based Sampling & Assessment

• Attend sites nationwide to carry out soil and waste sampling using appropriate techniques
• Conduct visual and olfactory assessments of materials and accurately record observations
• Take photographs and create clear, professional documentation of site activities for reporting purposes
• Identify and confirm appropriate sampling locations in collaboration with clients and the internal Technical Team
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health & safety protocols and environmental guidance during site operations

Communication & Coordination

• Liaise with site‑based personnel to ensure efficient scheduling and execution of fieldwork
• Maintain close communication with office‑based staff to coordinate logistics and ensure consistency in data recording and reporting
• Represent the company professionally when interacting with clients and contractors on‑site

Documentation & Reporting

• Accurately log sampling information, including site observations, sampling methods, and supporting photographic evidence
• Support the Technical Team by providing detailed field data to inform waste classification and reporting processes

What could the future look like?

When you join SoilEx, the possibilities are limitless. As a successful applicant, you can secure a full‑time position within the company at the conclusion of the apprenticeship. You will develop new skills and gain competence in materials testing, becoming a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech). This programme opens career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development.

Further educational and professional advancement is possible, including pursuing higher‑level qualifications such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You

We are looking for an apprentice who brings confidence, enthusiasm, and a positive approach to working alongside others. Strong interpersonal skills are important, as you will be interacting with colleagues, clients, and contractors on‑site. You should demonstrate common sense, reliability, and the ability to adapt to changing site conditions.

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment. Previous experience is helpful but not essential. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and a motivation to build a career.

Qualifications

It’s about enthusiasm, not school results.

How does the apprenticeship work?

Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This includes theory (e.g., virtual lessons & online learning) and practical training (shadowing, mentoring, assignments). Together this will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship. Apprentices are trained by an expert tutor from Tiro and a mentor at SoilEx.

You’ll earn a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans at the end of the programme.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond your current qualifications. You must be over 21, not in full‑time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years, have the right to work in the UK, and hold a full UK driving licence.

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