Description
Location: Unit 3 Cockerell Cl, Stevenage SG1 2NB
Working for FIRA International
Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.
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.
You’ll be able to find out more about FIRA International here:
FIRA's Website
LinkedIn
We are now seeking an enthusiastic individual to join the team as a Laboratory Testing Technician (Level 3) Apprentice!
The Package
* Starting salary: £22,000 per annum
* Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
* 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 an 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 all 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 business procedures.
Testing:
* Accept testing deliveries, sign for and book in samples, mark up and ensure it is located correctly and advise the correct department of arrivals.
* Enter and update all job progress on the job control system as required.
* Conduct all tests to recognised test standards, methodology, FIRA procedures and UKAS general quality requirements
* Correctly set up, monitor and measure each test, recording relevant data
* Ensure that test results are accurately recorded and collated.
General:
* Ensure that health and safety procedures are followed within the section, identifying and reporting hazards and conducting risk assessments where required – updating the She system when required.
* Provide consistently high quality customer service when dealing with both internal and external customers.
* Conduct all administration to recognised test standards, methodology, FIRA procedures, UKAS and general quality requirements.
* Process, maintain and update quotations, enquiries and invoices in a timely and accurate manner.
* Produce draft and submit written reports in the correct format.
* Assist in planning/progress chasing work through the system.
* Manage own administration, generating daily, weekly and monthly reports as required.
* General ad hoc requirements as required by the business/teams.
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 in industries such as marine biology, construction, engineering or research and 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!
Your background
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience, the most successful apprentices are those who have drive 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
Whilst previous experience is great, 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.
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!
* 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, as the testing site carries UKAS accreditations, so your work must reach the standard of accuracy required.
* You must be customer focused, with good communication and a strong telephone manner
* The ability to think on your feet and have good health & safety awareness is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role
* You’ll be a strong team player, who takes pride in their work and who loves to co-operate with others!
* 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.
Even if this doesn’t sound quite like you, but you still think you could do a great job in the role, get in touch. We’re always open to hearing from you!
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 Igne 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!
Want to know more. Check out the apprenticeship standards here.
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.
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.
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.
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.