At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team and develop technical skills in a hands-on apprenticeship.
- Company: Queen's University Belfast, a leading research-intensive institution.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Gain permanent position upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in science and engineering with expert mentoring and training.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs A*-C including Maths and English; interest in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
About the job: The School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering at Queen's University Belfast is seeking an Apprentice Technician to join its Technical Services team.
This is an exciting opportunity to develop a rewarding technical career through a structured three-year apprenticeship combining practical, academic and workplace-based learning.
Working alongside experienced technicians and researchers, you will receive training to support world-class analytical facilities, including mass spectrometry, NMR, thermal analysis and elemental analysis, while also developing skills in the University's specialist scientific glassblowing workshop.
You will gain experience in laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, scientific techniques, health and safety, and technical problem-solving, supported by dedicated mentoring throughout your apprenticeship.
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will be appointed to a permanent Technician position within the University.
This role is ideal for someone with an interest in science, engineering or practical technical work who is keen to develop specialist skills in a research-intensive university environment.
Please note that the successful applicant must be able to start by 1 September 2026 in order to commence the college based qualification/study element of the apprenticeship.
About the person: We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual with a genuine interest in science, engineering and practical technical work.
You should be keen to learn new skills, work as part of a team, and develop your knowledge through a combination of workplace training and formal study.
You should be able to demonstrate an interest in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or laboratory science, together with a basic understanding of health and safety in a practical environment.
We are particularly interested in candidates who are methodical, reliable and eager to develop practical skills.
Good communication skills, basic IT skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team will be advantageous.
Previous practical or laboratory experience is welcome but not essential, as full training and mentoring will be provided throughout the apprenticeship.
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following: Essential
Criteria: 1.
Hold or be about to obtain a minimum of 5 GCSE's A*-C (9-4:) or equivalent (e. g.
NVQ level 2) to include Maths, English and a relevant subject(s) (e. g.
Chemistry). 2.
Proven basic knowledge of regulations and procedures, including H&S requirements. 3.
Demonstrable knowledge and interest in the subject of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, laboratory science and technical work.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.
What we offer: Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities.
We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health.
You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all.
We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as i Rise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.
JBLE1_NI
Apprentice Technician JBLE1_NI in Belfast employer: Queens University
As a Principal Engineer at Momentum One Zero, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of ML/AI engineering in exciting fields like digital health and agri-food. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and professional growth, offering ample opportunities for skill development and career advancement in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique chance to engage with industry partners while contributing to impactful projects that make a real difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Technician JBLE1_NI in Belfast
✨Dive into Local Chemistry Events
Check out local chemistry events, workshops, and seminars happening near you. They’re a fantastic way to meet industry professionals, learn about the latest research, and potentially get your foot in the door for apprenticeships at companies like Queens University.
✨Join Chemistry Forums and Student Communities
Get involved in online chemistry forums and student communities. Places like Reddit’s chemistry subreddit or specialised Facebook groups can be full of opportunities for apprenticeships, plus you'll get invaluable tips from those who’ve been there before.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Chemistry
Create a little portfolio showcasing any projects or experiments you've done. Yes, an apprenticeship is more hands-on, but sharing your passion can help you stand out! Bring this up when chatting with recruiters from companies like Queens University.
✨Utilise Your School's Career Services
Don’t underestimate your school's career services! They often have connections with local businesses looking for apprentices. Get in touch and let them know you’re on the hunt for a chemistry apprenticeship. They might even help you polish your application for Queens University.
We think you need these skills to ace Apprentice Technician JBLE1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Science Skills:When it comes to applying for an apprenticeship in chemistry, we want to see your passion for the subject. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or experiments you’ve undertaken, and don’t forget to mention any specific techniques or tools you’re familiar with. This will show Queens University that you’re not just book-smart but have practical skills too.
Emphasise Your Learning Mindset:As an apprentice, your motivation and willingness to learn are key! In your cover letter, make sure to convey your enthusiasm for the chemistry field and your eagerness to develop your skills. Talk about your long-term goals and how this apprenticeship will help you achieve them—this will resonate well with Queens University.
Certificates and Achievements Matter:Don’t forget to include any relevant certificates you've earned, like lab safety training or coursework in organic chemistry. If it’s all about the numbers, mention any impressive grades or achievements that could set you apart from other candidates — this could really grab the attention of Queens University!
Tailor Your CV Specifically for Chemistry:When crafting your CV, make sure to tailor it specifically for the chemistry role you're applying for. Use clear headings and bullet points to highlight your educational background, laboratory experience, and any parts of your portfolio that showcase your chemistry work. This structured approach will help make your application stand out for the position at Queens University.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Know Your Chemistry Foundations
Brush up on your chemistry basics and be ready to discuss key concepts you’ve learned in school. We might get asked about everything from the periodic table to chemical reactions, so make sure you’re comfortable explaining these in a straightforward way.
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
Since this is an apprenticeship, expect to discuss any lab experience you have. We should be ready to share specific examples of experiments we’ve conducted, tools we’ve used, and how we ensured safety protocols were followed. This kind of hands-on knowledge really stands out!
✨Demonstrate Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Apprenticeships are all about growth, so we should highlight our eagerness to learn and adapt. Maybe mention a recent chemistry project or topic that sparked your interest and how this apprenticeship will help you deepen those skills.
✨Prepare for a Behavioural Interview Format
Get ready for some behavioural interview questions! We might face prompts like, 'Tell me about a time you solved a problem in a team.' Reflect on past group work in school or any relevant experiences, and think of situations where our collaboration led to success.
