Construction Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3)

Summary

No two days are ever the same with Holcim. You’ll not only spend time between testing on site and testing in the lab, but you’ll also visit and work at several locations nearby. This is a great opportunity to meet others to aid professional progression and skill sharing.

Wage

£18,500 a year

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday (variable shift pattern). Shifts to be confirmed.

40 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 September 2027

Duration

1 year 8 months

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in a hands on Technical Apprenticeship within our Materials Laboratory team. 

You’ll be based on site, working alongside experienced technicians who will support you as you learn how to sample, test and report on the quality of our sand, aggregates and bituminous products. 

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys practical work, problem solving and being part of a team that plays a key role in the products that shape our roads, buildings and communities. 

You will gain real industry experience, a recognised qualification and the chance to build a long term career in a growing and innovative sector.

• In this role, you will play an important part in making sure the materials we produce meet the highest quality and safety standards. 
• You’ll learn how to work safely in a laboratory environment, follow clear testing procedures and understand how our products are used across major construction projects.
• You will get hands on experience taking samples, carrying out tests on materials like sand, aggregates and bituminous products, and recording results using our laboratory systems.
• You will also learn how to spot and report any issues, help investigate early product concerns and support the team in keeping equipment well maintained and calibrated.
• You’ll work closely with experienced technicians who will coach you as you build your knowledge, develop your technical skills and start providing support to colleagues and customers.

Where you'll work

Back Lane
Carnforth
LA6 1EA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
• Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
• Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
• Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
• Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
• Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
• Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
• Complete documentation proficiently
• Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
• Contribute to the preparation of reports.
• Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
• Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
• Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
• Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
• Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
• Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
• Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
• Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
• Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
• Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
• Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
• Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
• Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
• Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
• Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
• Complete documentation proficiently
• Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
• Contribute to the preparation of reports.
• Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
• Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
• Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
• Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
• Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
• Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
• Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
• Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results

Training schedule

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.

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.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths, English and Science (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience