Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3
Location: Sheffield
Compensation: £18,500 / year
Description
Location: Unit 3, SIRFT, Europa Way, Tinsley, Sheffield, S9 1TQ
Working for Aggregate Industries
Aggregate industries are one of the leading building materials suppliers. Our aim is to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. We are committed to grounding sustainability in the future of the construction industry.
With over 200 sites and around 3,700 dedicated employees, we offer a full range of construction products to help our partners work sustainably, safely, professionally, and profitably.
Our people are at the very heart of our business. It's in how our people build strong partnerships through a shared commitment to sustainability that drives business growth.
Our teams can be counted on to add value, make a difference and truly care about what they do. By being supportive and open, we work together, striving for mutual success – and we encourage all our people to be curious and develop their skills.
The Package
* Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable)
* 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
* 40 hours per week
* Monday to Friday (variable shift pattern)
* Saturday required but very infrequently
* Access to site vehicle (Manual operated)
* Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
As a Construction Materials Technician apprentice, you'll be working in a laboratory but not as you know it! Be prepared to get mucky as you get to know your materials. This won't be a sterile environment and requires someone who's not afraid to get stuck in.
Working alongside some of our existing apprentices and fellow peers, you won't be alone. You'll be supported and guided, learning on the job as you go, by a team of other apprentices and experienced materials technicians. 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.
As a member of Aggregate Industries laboratory team, you'll push construction materials to their limits ensuring that they're safe and reliable to use. These materials will need to exist for many years to come without expensive maintenance, without damaging the structure and without endangering human life.
No two days are ever the same with Aggregate Industries. 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 – a great opportunity to meet others to aid professional progression and skill sharing.
What you'll be doing:
* Working alongside other team members, testing the properties of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and asphalt.
* Improving the performance of existing products, to eliminate faults with materials already in use.
* Helping bring materials testing in the 21st century using new technologies (e.g. Switching over to automated processes, new ergonomic equipment or even new recording and reporting systems.)
* Developing an understanding, knowledge and practical methods used to examine materials, including non-destructive testing (NDT).
* Following testing methods to ensure safety and quality and to support the lab in maintaining its accreditation to operate.
* Travelling to and from sites, collecting materials to be tested.
Through training and development provided, you'll work towards excellence in the following areas:
* Undertake 21-month apprenticeship to Level 3.
* Ensure all work is undertaken safely in accordance with required processes.
* Undertake testing of materials including aggregates, concrete, and asphalt in accordance with required standards, in the laboratory and on construction sites.
* Comply with the high standards of work required by the Quality Management Systems to required deadlines.
* Maintain equipment to required standards as required by the Laboratory Manager.
* Proactively communicate with senior staff to ensure effective communication.
* Attend training courses and assessments as required by the apprenticeship standard and maintaining training records.
What could the future look like?
After completing your Level 3 apprenticeship there are many pathways available to you at Aggregate Industries and beyond. Here are some examples of how your career may progress:
* Level 4/5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship
* Senior technician (Average salary £29,015/year)
* Materials Engineer (Average salary £34,565/year)
* Laboratory Manager (Average salary £38,207/year)
* Project lead (Salary bonuses)
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).
This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
We're looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. You'll need to show you can be positive and proactive in identifying problems and defects.
You'll have a naturally enquiring mind and be digitally savvy. We're looking for someone who is self-confident to communicate with a range of people, whilst having the flexibility to work out of hours including night shifts & weekend working as required.
Please note, due to the nature of the role, a manual driving license and access to your own car is required.
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 Aggregate Industries.
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 Aggregate Industries 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 16, 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr