Environment and Safety Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Socotec, Gloucestershire

Tiro; Cirencester; On-site; GBP 18,000

Job description

Department: Chemical Science

Location: Gloucester

Compensation: £18,000.00 / hour

Description

Location: Unit D, 2 Wilkinson Road, Bankside Business Park, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1YT

Working for Socotec
At Socotec, we are a network of industry-leading experts who empower ambitious businesses at every stage of the asset lifecycle. Whether we're carrying out a one-off inspection or playing our part in creating a city's most inspiring spaces, our clients trust our people's extensive expertise and integrity. From the field, to the lab, in the courtroom and back again, our advice is built on a foundation of substance.

We are now looking for someone to join our Environment Compliance Team as a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprentice.

The Package
At Tiro and Socotec, we make great things happen for people. In this role you'll receive:

• Starting salary: £18,000 per annum (increases to National Minimum Wage after 12 months if aged 21+)
• Hours per week: 39
• Working hours: 8:30 to 17:00 Monday – Thursday, 8.30 – 16:00 on Friday with rotational weekend working
• Up to 25 days annual leave per annum
• Employee recognition scheme
• Family friendly support
• Employee benefits and discounts app
• Employee assistance programmes
• Enhanced company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as a Laboratory Technician apprentice?
Socotec are pleased to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualification through our Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship within the Environmental Compliance team.

In this role, you will perform analysis of samples and report results in line with documented procedures to a high-quality standard. The objective of this role is to provide analytical certificates to external customers and internal consultants in order for environmental compliance to be reported and managed.

• Utilise the LIMS system to record samples and report analytical results
• Undertake a range of environmental microbiology analytical activities including preparation of media, filtering of samples, pouring plates, incubating samples, counting plates, recording temperatures and other activities supporting the quality control process.
• Undertake a range of environmental chemistry analytical activities including pH, COD, suspended solids, oils & greases in water and in organic determinations such as nitrates, nitrites, chlorides and phosphates.
• Package samples for further analysis by other SOCOTEC laboratories.
• Undertake laboratory supporting activities such as internal calibration checks on thermometers, fridges, incubators, meters and instruments, and completing records accordingly.
• Dispose of analytical waste and retained samples in line with environmental procedure requirements.
• Operate in accordance with documented procedures and adhere to UKAS requirements.
• Complete apprenticeship programme in line with expected timescales, as determined by TIRO tutor and your Manager/Mentor.

What could the future look like?
There's no limit to what you can achieve while working with Socotec. 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 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 serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in Environment and Safety, with the added opportunity to become a registered Laboratory Technician (RSci Tech) and paves the way for further educational and professional development. This enables you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

What will you bring?

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 Socotec.

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!

About You
This is a very hands-on and practical role so you should be willing to get stuck in and learn from the offset!

We're looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You'll be results-oriented, and able to use good attention to detail to identify problems and record observations. The ability to think on your feet is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role - you will have good health and safety awareness and be able to work towards strict health and safety guidelines.

We're seeking somebody who loves to be busy and enjoys the practical side of working, is able to work well under pressure and is comfortable using a computer!

As you'll be working closely with your team, it's important for you to be a confident communicator and a positive team player, with strong interpersonal skills (both written and verbal).

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

Please note, this position will require rotational weekend shifts so it's crucial that you can be flexible and are willing to work weekends.

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 Socotec 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.

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.