Apprenticeship, Assistant Scientist in Swansea

This is a Level 4 Apprenticeship opportunity within Natural Resources Wales’ Analytical Services team. During the apprenticeship you will combine academic study with practical, hands‑on experience in a professional laboratory environment, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for a career in analytical science.

Based at NRW’s laboratory at Swansea University, the programme offers a rotational placement across the Service Delivery, Inorganics and Organics departments, providing broad exposure to laboratory operations, analytical techniques and quality processes in an accredited environmental laboratory.

What You Will Do

• Support day‑to‑day laboratory activities that contribute to accurate, reliable and timely analytical services.
• Apply apprenticeship learning to real‑world laboratory work, gaining experience in sample preparation, analytical equipment and routine tasks under supervision.
• Develop positive working relationships with colleagues across the three departments and support the smooth running of laboratory operations.
• Assist with laboratory administration, including accurate data recording, documentation maintenance and use of laboratory information systems.
• Help the laboratory meet health, safety and quality standards by following procedures, working safely, identifying issues and reporting concerns.
• Uphold Natural Resources Wales’ Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and demonstrate understanding of its application to the role.
• Commit to personal development through the use of a personal development plan (Sgwrs).
• Carry out other reasonable duties as required.

Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science.
• Relevant Level 3 science qualification (e.g., BTEC Level 3 Diploma, extended certificate in applied science, or A/AS Levels in science).
• Basic ICT skills for data recording and documentation.
• Sufficient literacy and numeracy to accurately record results and follow written procedures.
• Awareness of laboratory environments and interest in developing analytical science skills.

Welsh Language Level Requirements

Essential: Level A1 – Entry level.

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contributions.
• 28 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days.
• Leave entitlements for life events.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support.
• Weekly wellbeing hour.

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to creating a diverse workforce and encourage applications from under‑represented communities. Equality of opportunity is guaranteed across all protected characteristics. NRW guarantees interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

NRW is a Bilingual organisation compliant with Welsh Language Standards; Welsh language skills are an asset and staff are encouraged and supported to develop and use their skills.

Natural Resources Wales is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.