Description
Location: Unit H, Saint Vincents Trading Estate, Feeder Rd, Bristol BS2 0UY
Working for Geoquip Marine
Founded in 2011, Geoquip Marine has a modern office and a state-of-the-art onshore laboratory in the heart of Bristol. Their offshore teams operate around the world, including Taiwan, the East Coast of the United States and in regions across Europe.
Geoquip Marine is a community of like-minded professionals working together to support the development of renewable energy sources around the world. Through creating a supportive and collaborative working environment, employees can develop new skills and competencies in their career.
This role is a great opportunity for anyone with a keen interest in Chemistry or Environmental Science to join Geoquip Marine’s People and Culture team to plan and be part of the employee voice and have fun days too!
The Package
* Starting salary of £21,000
* 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Workings hours are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5pm
* 1 hour lunch break
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Gym Membership Scheme
* Company pension scheme
* Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as a Laboratory Technician apprentice?
As an Apprentice Laboratory Technician you’ll be working in a laboratory but not as you know it! Be prepared to get mucky as this apprenticeship requires someone who’s not afraid to get stuck in and get their hands dirty!
The Apprentice Laboratory Technician is responsible for undertaking soil testing based on the approved laboratory schedules to national and international standards, under the guidance of a designated mentor. Additionally, you will meet the training requirements of the apprenticeship as outlined in the apprenticeship documents. This will include off-the job training and assessments.
* Participating in any health and safety talks, meetings, or training.
* Preparing, testing, and analysing soil samples to determine their content and characteristics, using laboratory tools or testing equipment – testing may include but not be limited to:
* Moisture contents
* Plastic and liquid limit testing
* Particle Size Distribution tests
* Density tests
* Recording and processing test data
* Performing and recording daily and weekly equipment checks
* Ensuring timely execution of laboratory tests
* Completing a minimum of 6 hours of “off-the-job” training/education per week
* Completing all tasks required for the fulfilment of the apprenticeship agreement, in conjunction with the designated mentor and training providers
* Any other duties deemed necessary, which are within the bounds of the incumbent’s competence and function
Read what Peter Webster, Advanced Laboratory Technician has to say about working for Geoquip Marine.
What inspired you to follow a career path into training and competence, and then into the geotechnical engineering industry?
I have always been passionate about the environment, as well as the pressing issues that surround it. When I joined Geoquip Marine a year ago, I had little knowledge of the geotechnical engineering world, however, over the past year I have become more invested and strive to ensure what I am doing is to the best quality. This role has made me realise that I am in the right career path now, and while it is quite different from what I planned to do! So don’t be afraid to change the career path that you on. Sometimes you find the right place in a field you never thought you would work in.
What do you enjoy most about working in a laboratory setting?
I have worked in multiple labs in the past and the onshore laboratory at Geoquip Marine is a breath of fresh air. The testing is like nothing I have done before, and I like the challenge it brings me. It requires me to keep learning and adding to the skills I have already have – and with the addition of an ever-expanding selection of testing equipment, it’s a great way to keep yourself engaged and active in the lab. You are constantly thinking of new solutions for the task at hand, so when you leave the lab at the end of the day, you leave having learned something new.
One of the enjoyable bits of the lab setting is the current lab techs and the managers here, who all listen to your advice and opinions and make you feel like a valued team member, as well as always looking out for your potential professional development.
What advice would you give someone who is considering a career with Geoquip Marine?
Do it, apply for the job! The company is lovely to work for and they really care for their employees. My advice would be to be humble, professional, and driven; the company rewards those who actively push into new skills and have a real passion for the work we do and the world we live in, so we can help reach the net zero goals that we desperately need.
What could the future look like?
When you join Geoquip Marine, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.
Through practical training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.
This apprenticeship program also serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
About You
We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who displays a willingness to work within a team to achieve an end goal and to provide the necessary support in reaching that goal.
You should be keen to learn, with an inquisitive nature - you won't be afraid to ask questions!
Communication is another important skill, ensuring you can clearly update technicians to avoid any potential confusion, whilst always remaining professional.
This is a very varied role, so an adaptable approach and the ability to cope under pressure, in an ever-changing environment is important!
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 of this position, you must be aged 18+ and be comfortable with occasional heavy lifting.
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. 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 Geoquip Marine.
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!
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 Geoquip Marine 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.
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.