Labratory Technician Apprenticeship

About the course

Brief Description

CA6 4SD To support the laboratory team by performing routine testing, data management, and laboratory maintenance, gaining a Level 3 Laboratory Technician qualification through a structured apprenticeship.

Qualifications Required

GCSEs in Maths, English, and a science subject (or equivalent) at grade 4-9 or equivalent.

Personal Qualities

- Ability to work unsupervised following a planned work schedule
- Writing and numeracy skills
- Familiarity with computers / keyboards / typing skills
- Word, Excel, Access – statistics, graphs, data analysis
- General awareness of importance of safety, and in particular safety issues of working in a laboratory.

Skills Required

- Ability to work unsupervised following a planned work schedule
- Basic writing and numeracy skills
- Familiarity with computers / keyboards / typing skills
- Word, Excel, Access – statistics, graphs, data analysis
- General awareness of importance of safety, and in particular safety issues of working in a laboratory.

Training to be Provided

Laboratory Technician Level 3

Future Prospects

Because of the technical experience you will gain from working in a laboratory, you will gain skills which many graduates have yet to develop. If you have practical ability, ability to solve problems and good communication skills there are opportunities for progression towards higher qualifications.

Vacancy Detail

Construction Materials Testing Laboratory (Carlisle)

Core Lab Duties:

- Assist with sample preparation (drying, splitting, sieving)
- Carry out basic tests under supervision (sieve analysis, moisture content, bulk density)
- Record test results in lab sheets or digital systems
- Label and log incoming samples

Equipment & Setup:

- Set up test equipment (balances, ovens, shakers)
- Clean and maintain sieves, moulds, and containers
- Check equipment is safe and operational

Assist with basic calibration checks:

- Material-Specific Tasks
- Aggregates: washing, drying, sieve analysis
- Asphalt: sample prep, assist with binder tests
- Concrete: cube making, curing, compressive testing
- Soils: moisture tests, particle size, sample prep

Documentation & Quality:

- Complete test records and worksheets
- Follow standard test methods (BS/EN/ASTM)
- Learn quality procedures (ISO 17025 awareness)
- Report irregularities or damaged samples

Health & Safety:

- Follow all lab safety procedures
- Wear appropriate PPE
- Handle hot materials safely
- Maintain a clean and safe workspace

General Support Duties:

- Assist with sample collection or deliveries
- Organise storage and retained samples
- Dispose of waste correctly
- Support senior technicians

Development Duties:

- Learn relevant test standards and procedures
- Work towards independent testing
- Understand and interpret results
- Assist in troubleshooting test issues

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