Chemical Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - LevertonHELM

Chemical Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - LevertonHELM

Department: Chemical Science

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Basingstoke

Compensation: GBP 20,000 / year

Description

Location: 13-15 Sherrington Way, Lister Road Industrial Estate, Basingstoke, RG22 4DQ & Knights Park Road, Houndmills Industrial Estate, Basingstoke, RG21 6UA

Please note that this apprenticeship will be split between both locations.

Working for LevertonHELM
LevertonHELM manufactures a range of inorganic speciality chemicals which are sold throughout the world. It operates in a niche area of lithium chemistry and has an excellent reputation for reliability and providing high quality products.

The company requires that all its personnel assist in driving the business forward, so everyone will be expected to contribute to that aim. The apprentice is expected to play a major role in this process. This is a very technical role that requires a high level of chemical knowledge and qualification. Complicated mathematics are also regularly required. The job holder must be able to balance many priorities and to generate a process of working through regular / daily issues to achieve set deadlines.

The apprenticeship is located across two of our sites in Basingstoke, with occasional travel to the third site if required. The company manufactures approximately 30-40 chemical products among the sites with the laboratory team providing analytical and environmental support to the company activities.

The Package

• Salary up to GBP 20,000 per annum
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm (Once confident would be moved to shifts which just roll on a week-by-week basis)
• 40 Hours
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 7% Pension
• Private Medical
• Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity pay

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

As a trainee laboratory technician, your role will be to perform analytical activities in support of the production team, research & development activities, and external customers. To develop new analytical methods and improve existing methods intended for product release or process control. Ensure that the laboratory activities carried out are accurate, safe and within planned schedules. Provide high quality analytical results contributing to the improvement of the company's quality standards in the production of speciality chemicals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out process control and analytical testing of raw materials, intermediates and end products in support of the manufacturing process.
• Carry out analytical testing of samples sent by external customers, as required.
• Perform calibration, maintenance and troubleshooting on analytical equipment as required.
• Carry out analytical method development in support of new products or specifications.
• Perform analytical activities in support of development of new chemical processes.
• Ensure that activities carried out are documented accordingly to ensure high quality standards and traceability.
• Assist with all health, safety and environmental practices ensuring that a proactive approach to Health and Safety is brought to the laboratory area.
• Liaise with the manufacturing team to ensure manufactured product is tested and released in a timely manner.
• Provide technical support to the manufacturing team to ensure that production processes achieve desired results.
• Assist with the preparation of samples for analysis at external laboratories when required.
• Assist with the preparation and release of certificates of analysis as required.
• Carry out laboratory housekeeping and assist with the continuous improvement of documentation and quality systems in the laboratory.
• Provide technical and analytical support for the development programmes and assist with the introduction of new products into the plant.
• Carry out training for other laboratory personnel and production personnel as required and appropriate.
• Prepare analytical standards and reagents.

What does the future hold?

When you join LevertonHELM 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. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Applied Chemical Science Apprenticeships, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Good computer skills required. Daily use of spreadsheets, word processors, email, and computer-managed laboratory equipment.
• Good organisational skills, with a flexible approach and the ability to manage changing priorities.
• Self-motivated, flexible, well organised and possessing excellent problem-solving skills

Please note due to the nature of this role a Full UK Driving License and access to your own car is required. If you are currently working towards your driving license and have your practical test booked, we may consider your application.

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you'll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!

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 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 Thames Laboratories.

Skills & Characteristics

Laboratories are a tightly run ship - particularly those that are UKAS accredited! To thrive in this role, you will need:

• An accurate, systematic method of working.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• A scientific aptitude and keen interest in materials science.
• Strong organisation skill.
• Motivation and drive.
• The ability to work independently and adhere to deadlines.

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you'll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!

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 LevertonHELM 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

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 16 or over, 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.