Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 5 HND) in Reading

Job Location: Reading Tech Center

Do you want to be part of the advancement of global brands like Gillette? Procter & Gamble (P&G) own some of the world’s best loved brands and we have an exciting opportunity to join us as a Laboratory Technician Scientist Apprentice! This 3-year Laboratory Technician Scientist Apprenticeship (Level 5) will provide first class training within a global fast moving consumer goods company, working within our Research & Development department at our Reading Innovation Centre.

You’ll join project teams working across the lab and have ownership and accountability for delivering data and scientific insights for your real-life projects with a direct impact on the business. This apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with CSR as a Further Education provider. CSR Scientific Training is the UK’s leading training provider for science and healthcare science apprenticeships, with over 12 years’ experience in delivering apprenticeship standards in partnership with 100’s of the UK’s world-leading scientific employers.

Reading Innovation Centre is home to over 200+ scientists and engineers responsible for innovating consumer products in several business areas including Personal Health Care (Vicks), Oral Care (Oral-B), Grooming (Gillette) and Beauty Care (Olay). The site is a specialist Healthcare & Grooming Research & Development Hub in Europe and supports our European Beauty Franchise business. The site is friendly, diverse and has a rich history in innovation in multiple business areas.

What to Expect:

• Working in regulated laboratory environments and systems to the highest quality and safety standards.
• Learning scientific techniques to measure our products for performance, stability and safety and understanding how this supports the full scope of the product cycle from innovation through to launch.
• Undertaking data analysis from this testing; identifying trends and any errors, reporting this data back and applying scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions.
• Creating and formulating chemistries for use during grooming and beauty care routines on some of our biggest brands.
• Learning how to plan and perform laboratory-based scientific investigations and experiments using specialised techniques, following specified methodologies, and quality standards.
• Collaborating with stakeholders and communicating scientific information.

Please note: You will be expected to be on site at our Reading R&D Centre 4 days a week for the practical elements of your learning. The vocational learning towards your BTEC Level 5 HND will take place online one day per week, with some practical elements taking place in Sutton Coldfield throughout the duration of the 3-year apprenticeship. Expenses associated with travel to Sutton Coldfield will be paid for by P&G in line with our Travel & Expenses Policy.

What We Offer You:

• Training and Qualifications: You will be fully trained in all aspects of your role, with a project supervisor and manager to coach and develop you. After successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have a Level 5 HND qualification in Applied Science (Chemistry or Biology Pathway).
• Responsibilities from Day 1: During your apprenticeship you will have the opportunity to collaborate on real business-related work.
• Dynamic and Respectful Work Environment: Employees are at the core, we value every individual and encourage work-life balance. Our Reading Innovation Centre is home to over 200+ scientists and engineers, the site is friendly, diverse and has a rich history of best-in-class innovation.
• Compensation and Benefits: This is a paid apprenticeship with a starting salary of £22,000. On top of your salary, which is reviewed annually, you can expect a whole range of benefits including: Double Match Pension Scheme; Private Medical Insurance; P&G Contributed Share Programme; 25 Days Holiday and more.
• Future Career Prospects: Successful apprentices have the potential to secure a full-time position with P&G after graduation. As a 'build from within' company, our people start at entry level and progress through the organization.

What We Look For:

• Education: 5 GCSE grades A-C (Level 4 - 9) including Math, English, and Double Science PLUS A level or equivalent in a Science subject (Grade C or above). Please include your predicted grades if actual grades are not yet available at time of application.
• Natural curiosity and a strong desire to learn.
• A passion for problem solving and results.
• A deep-rooted respect for and compliance with safety rules and working practices.
• Ability and initiative to work proactively to achieve team goals.
• Evidence of passion and achievements in academic and/or non-academic activities.

Accommodation and travel requirements need to be considered and arranged by successful applicants. Please note: This is a non-degree level apprenticeship suitable for school-leavers. If you already have a degree, please take a look at our graduate and entry level positions which are available throughout the year and more appropriate for you.

Application Process:

• Application deadline: 12th April 2026
• Virtual Interviews: Feb-May 2026
• Final Assessment Day: 28th May 2026
• Start date: 1st September 2026

Right to Work: For our apprenticeship roles, you will need to provide your own right to work in the UK for the full duration of your apprenticeship without requiring sponsorship from P&G. Note, this will require your right to work permission to be valid for the full duration of the apprenticeship for a minimum of 37.5 per week. P&G is legally required to ensure all candidates have the right to work in the UK from Day 1 of their employment. All applicants will therefore be asked to provide evidence of their right to work at the conclusion of the recruitment process as a condition of employment.

At P&G #weseeequal We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. At P&G we strive to build a culture where everyone feels welcome, included, and able to bring their full selves to work. We champion social mobility and believe socio-economic status should not be a barrier to accessing job opportunities. That’s why in addition to apprenticeship being paid, we offer provision of all the necessary technology and electronic equipment, access to a range of benefits, and financial support if you need it. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process.

Please click here if you require an accommodation during the application process. Please make sure to wait to hear back from us regarding your accommodation before proceeding with the online assessment, we thank you in advance for your patience.

Job Schedule: Full time