Materials Testing Technician (Level 3) Apprentice – Element

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: High Wycombe

Compensation: £23,500 / year

Description

"Ready to dive in, get hands-on, and put materials to the test? Discover your perfect match at the Fire and Building Products Laboratory, where Elements fuel your passion!"

Location: Fire and Building Products Laboratory, Chiltern House, Stocking Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP14 4ND

Working for Element


The High Wycombe facility specializes in product and materials testing and is UKAS accredited to undertake testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, acoustic testing of building components, mechanical testing of construction products (specialising in timber and fasteners) and pre-completion air leakage and sound insulation testing of buildings. Located just 35 miles west of London, we have been providing testing services to the construction industry for over 40 years.


Everyone at Element lives and breathes three core values. In our day-to-day work, we are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Progress.


We are committed to personal and professional development, and you will be supported and mentored at every step of your journey with us. You will join a large team of industry-leading, expert professionals and receive exposure to some of the best opportunities and challenges available.

The Package

• Starting salary is £23,500 per year
• Workings hours are 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday (Shift patterns including: 9am – 5pm; 7am – 3pm; 12pm – 8pm)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee assistance programmes
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

We are not your average TIC company and pride ourselves on putting integrity, progress and care at the core of everything we do.

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

Under the supervision of the under the supervision of the Lead Technician, you’ll perform prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests, alongside maintaining the testing/safety equipment and laboratory to a standard suitable for the testing undertaken.

• Fabrication of supporting constructions for test specimens
• Fabrication of specialist constructions required for tests
• Installation of test specimens
• Instrumentation of test specimens
• Conduct tests
• Demolition and disposal of test remains
• Maintenance of laboratory, test equipment and safety equipment

This opportunity is a great way to begin your journey with Element by gaining real-life work experience while you study for a nationally recognised qualification. We'll support you at every stage throughout your apprenticeship, providing you with the opportunity to learn new skills and get stuck in with some exciting projects.

What could the future look like?
Element is committed to developing emerging talent. Individuals can use the apprenticeship to jumpstart a successful career in a skilled industry through on-the-job training and online study. Our goal is to transform you into a fully competent technician, ideally open to accepting a full-time, permanent position within the team, with opportunities for progression in the future.

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) Applied Materials Science Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

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 Element.

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
We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and absorb new skills and is capable of using a variety of hand tools.

You must be a good communicator and team player at all levels, and capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner.

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 18+ and live within a 45 minute commute to site.

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 Element 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 18 + (Due to lab insurance purposes), 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.