Description
Location: Unit 3 Cockerell Cl, Stevenage SG1 2NB
Working for FIRA International
FIRA International, part of the Element Group, specialises in providing a comprehensive range of independent testing, inspection, certification, technical and training services to the furniture industry. We exist to help our customers to make certain that their materials, products, systems and operations are safe, quality, compliant and ultimately fit for purpose.
FIRA International’s ergonomics team offer consultancy, testing and research services across all sectors of the furniture industry, and during all stages of production from initial prototypes to established products.
The Package
* Starting salary: £22,293 per annum (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if applicable)
* Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
* 1 hour lunch break
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Life assurance scheme
* Legal & General Pension Scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Free onsite refreshments
* Recommend a friend bonus
* Perks at Work discount scheme
* Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as a Structural Testing Laboratory Technician Apprentice?
FIRA International are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualifications through our Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.
Preparation of Materials:
* Ensure that test items are correctly handled, stored and conditioned.
* All test preparation (e.g. cutting, sizing, labelling and affixing) to be in accordance with standards and procedures
Testing:
* Enter and update all job status on testing system as required.
* Conduct all tests to recognised test standard, methodology, FIRA procedures, UKAS and general quality requirements.
* Correctly set up, monitor and measure each test, recording all relevant data.
Results:
* Ensure that test results are accurately recorded and collated.
* Produce draft and submit written reports in the correct format
Standards:
* Understand and apply relevant standards for each test and keep abreast of any developments in standards.
Flexibility:
* Be prepared to assist in any test area and learn additional skills as directed.
* Assist in calibration and maintenance of equipment where necessary
* Assist in accepting all testing deliveries, sign for and book in samples, mark up and ensure located correctly.
Health and Safety:
* Responsible for health and safety issues within own work area.
* Observe all health and safety regulations and ensure good housekeeping and PPE.
What could the future look like?
There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with FIRA International. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position with the business at the end of your apprenticeship.
Through practical ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career. You can look forward to a range of potential career paths including research & development! There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who hold this crucial testing experience, used in various sectors!
This apprenticeship program serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in testing, with the added opportunity to become a registered Technician (RSci Tech). This enables you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Rest assured, your hard work and determination will be recognised!
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
About you
This is a very hands on and practical role so you should have a passion for science, be willing to get stuck in and be hungry to learn from the offset!
In an apprenticeship, it’s all about learning, so you’ll be an inquisitive person, who loves to learn and ask questions about why things work the way they do.
Due to the nature of the role, where you’ll be handling materials and machinery, it’s crucial that you’ll be able to bring a responsible, reliable and professional approach to work every day. The ability to think on your feet and have good health & safety awareness is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role.
We’re looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You’ll need to have good attention to detail to identify problems, and be an accurate record keeper!
The team at Fira International are busy, so you’ll be the kind of person who thrives in a fast paced environment, whilst able to prioritise and organise your workload!
You must be customer focused, with good communication and a strong telephone manner.
We’re looking for someone who is comfortable using basic Microsoft Office Programmes (Word & Excel) and able to pick up new systems quickly!
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Please note, because of the nature and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+ and be able to undertake some manual handling/heavy lifting. You must also be able to reliably 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 FIRA International.
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 FIRA International who 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 18, 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.