Apprentice Lab Technician
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Company: SHIRLEY TECHNOLOGIES LTD
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Location: Manchester, M17 1EH
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £17,000.00 per year
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Sector: Health and science
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Ref: NAS-2000038250
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Application Deadline Date: 01/09/2026
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Start Date: 02/09/2026
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Positions Available: 2
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Working Week: Shifts to be confirmed
Brief Description
We are recruiting two Laboratory Technician Apprentices to join our established apprenticeship programme, starting in September. You'll gain hands-on experience across Industrial Materials, Chemistry, Calibration and PPE, rotating through each area in six-month placements over a two-year programme.
Training to be Provided
- Enrolment onto the 18 month Laboratory Technician Level 3 apprenticeship programme
- Structured on-the-job training across calibration, materials testing, and chemistry laboratories
- Ongoing mentoring and supervision from experienced laboratory staff
Gradual progression to more complex tasks as competence and confidence develop within each laboratory area
Future Prospects
- To be confirmed by employer
Vacancy Detail
- Assist with routine calibration and measurement checks on laboratory equipment and instrumentation
- Support the accurate recording of calibration activities and results in line with ISO 17025 and internal procedures
- Help maintain calibration documentation and records under supervision
PPE Laboratory Technician Apprentice:
- Assist with routine Laboratory duties to support the day-to-day operation of the PPE Laboratory
- Carry out basic Laboratory testing on PPE, including washing, strength testing, hydrostatic head testing, flame testing, burst testing and other physical and fire performance tests
- Help maintain consumables, including checking logs and reporting any low stock levels
- Work effectively as part of a team and communicate clearly with colleagues to ensure testing is completed correctly
Industrial Materials (Geosynthetics) Apprentice:
- Assist with mechanical and hydraulic testing of geosynthetic and industrial materials in accordance with standard test methods and internal SOPs
- Carry out basic instrument checks and routine maintenance activities
- Support the maintenance of quality system records, procedures, and documentation
- An interest in Geosynthetics / experience is much preferred
Chemistry Laboratory Apprentice:
- Assist with sample preparation, wet chemistry, and extraction techniques for textiles and related products
- Support laboratory activities leading to instrumental analysis using techniques such as ICP-MS, UV-VIS, GC-MS, and LC-MS
- Carry out basic instrument maintenance and calibration checks under supervision
- Maintain accurate laboratory and quality system records
Other Information
To be considered for this opportunity, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- A minimum of Grade C / 4 or above in Science at GCSE or equivalent (school or college level)
- GCSE English and maths at Grade C / 4 or above (or willingness to work towards these as part of the apprenticeship)
- A genuine interest in science, laboratory work, and technical environments
- Strong attention to detail and a willingness to follow procedures accurately
- Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- A positive attitude, reliability, and commitment to learning and development
No prior laboratory experience is required; however, any previous exposure to laboratory environments would be advantageous, as full training will be provided through the Laboratory Technician Level 3 apprenticeship programme.