Laboratory Technician Apprentice - Fire Assay Specialist
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Company: ALS Inspection (UK) Ltd
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Location: Prescot, L34 9HP
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: £22,500.00 per year
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Sector: Health and science
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Ref: NAS-2000026217
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Application Deadline Date: 12/06/2026
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Start Date: 01/09/2026
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Positions Available: 2
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Working Week: Monday to Friday shift pattern 6.00am to 2.00pm and 1.30pm - 9.30pm alternate weeks. Flexible for training days.
Brief Description
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated individual with a passion for science. As part of the ALS team, you will be working within one of the most respected assay laboratories in the world. You will be testing a wide range of metals, ores and commodities using a wide variety of classical and modern techniques.
Training to be Provided
You will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' training provider, CSR Scientific Training, which will include:
- Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician
- On-the-job competency training
- Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (if required)
The majority of your learning will be completed online once a week with some face-to-face practical sessions/exams in Birmingham (if BTEC is included).
Upon successful completion, apprentices can apply for professional registration as a Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, with either the Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry or Royal Society of Biology.
Future Prospects
- Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you could be offered a permanent position with ALS
Vacancy Detail
The Role will be based in our Fire assay department, with training covering every aspect from preparation of concentrates and ores to finalisation of results. We will provide in depth training at each stage with opportunities for research projects to support continuous improvement. This will give successful candidates not just skills, but a full and thorough understanding of the Fire assay process.
Position duties:
- Understand why/how we prepare samples for analysis, from concentrates
- Matrix match samples to required testing methods and regents, using historical Data and XRF scans
- Preparing samples for analysis including weighing and moisture determination
- Fire assay techniques including fluxing, fusion, cupellating and parting of samples
- Performing volumetric and by weight dilutions
- Analysing samples including utilising basic chemistry techniques, acid digestion, precipitations, and titrations
- Use analytical methodology for preparation of samples for ICP-OES and XRF analysis
- Use modern analytical instrumentation such as ICP-OES and XRF to analyse samples
- Completing laboratory write ups and data recording in accordance with internal and regulatory requirements
- Data and result entry into LIMS
- Completing traceability records and adhering to quality policies
- Performing daily calibrations and checks
- Ensuring assigned work is carried out in a timely fashion following the relevant procedures
- Adhere to Health and Safety and Company policies and procedures
- Comply with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and ensure safe manual handling of chemicals/equipment
- To report any near-misses or incidents to the line manager
Other Information
- The work can be of a repetitive nature and will involve standing for long periods
- Candidates will be working on/around high temperature furnaces over 1000 degrees
- Blood tests are taken regularly as part of our lead at work policy and is compulsory