Summary
This apprenticeship role involves supporting the Technical Department with sample collection, testing, and technical support for suppliers and customers. You will assist in the lab by performing tests, analysing results, and preparing documents such as Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
Wage
£15,704 to £25,396.80 a year
Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
8.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday (optional overtime).
40 hours a week
Possible start date
Sunday 1 June
Duration
3 years
Positions available
1
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 apprenticeship role involves supporting the Technical Department with sample collection, testing, and technical support for suppliers and customers. You will assist in the lab by performing tests, analysing results, and preparing documents such as Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). With guidance from the Technical Director, you’ll develop valuable skills in research, testing procedures, and quality assurance.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
* Learning & Support in Daily Operations:
* Assist in the daily tasks of the lab, including sample collection and testing.
* Learn how to perform lab-based tests on materials and document results.
* Support equipment calibration and maintain lab records accurately.
Research & Development:
* Develop your understanding of the recycling industry by researching materials, suppliers, and market trends.
* Assist with research into customer and supplier needs, supply chains, and products.
Teamwork & Documentation:
* Collaborate with experienced team members to develop lab skills and knowledge.
* Help maintain accurate records of testing procedures, results, and analysis.
* Assist in preparing technical documentation such as TDS and MSDS.
What You’ll Gain:
* Practical lab experience in the recycling industry.
* Exposure to testing processes and technical documentation.
* Opportunities to develop technical, research, and communication skills.
What We’re Looking For:
* Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
* Interest in lab work, material testing, and quality control.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Attention to detail and ability to document accurately.
* A valid driving license is desirable
* Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):
* Interest in Chemistry, Engineering, Polymer Science, or related fields.
* Previous experience in a lab environment (school, university, or workplace) is beneficial but not required.
* Willingness to learn about technical testing and documentation.
Skills & Abilities:
* Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
* Good communication and organizational skills.
* Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word)
Good communication skills:
* Can explain ideas clearly to team members, suppliers and customers.
* Comfortable working as part of a team to achieve goals.
* Highly organised, with a willingness to develop time management skills (e.g., using calendars or reminders).
* Open to learning how to follow internal policies and procedures.
* Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word) or a willingness to learn.
* Can gather and use information effectively, beyond quick online searches.
General Attributes:
* Enthusiastic about taking on challenges and growing within the role.
* Pays attention to detail and thinks critically about tasks.
* Open to feedback and reflective on successes and areas for improvement.
* Empathetic towards others and values teamwork.
* Resilient—able to bounce back from setbacks and try again.
* Willing to have honest, professional conversations when needed.
* Professional, ethical, and committed to continuous learning and development.
* Understands the importance of upfront effort to prevent issues later on.
* Enjoys exploring new ideas and processes to improve
Where you’ll work
31A Aaron Road
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 2EX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
COGENT SSC LIMITED
Your training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
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
Your training plan
* Training will be blended, a mixture of online and in person training.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* 5 GCSE's including Maths, Science and English (grade 4/C or above)
Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical