At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our R&D team to innovate and develop concrete systems.
- Company: Sika, a global leader in specialty chemicals for construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25-28 days holiday, private healthcare, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Be part of a sustainable innovation team making a real impact.
- Qualifications: A-levels or equivalent, enthusiasm for science and engineering.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
Company Description
We’re looking for a Materials Science Degree Apprentice – Concrete Systems to join our Research and Development Team. Office based role.
About Sika
Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for waterproofing, bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 101 countries around the world and manufactures in over 300 factories. Its more than 30,000 employees generated annual sales in excess of CHF 10 billion in 2023.
About Sika Research and Development
Innovation is at the heart of Sika's values, and the Research & Development (R&D) function plays a pivotal role in the company's continued success. As of 2025, Sika's global R&D network comprises more than 1,800 employees working across 16 Global Technology Centers and over 100 local and regional R&D facilities located in more than 90 locations worldwide. Its innovation is driven by five core technology platforms that enhance performance, durability, and sustainability across both construction and industrial manufacturing. The Technology Centre in Welwyn Garden City specialises in Concrete Systems, Cementitious Systems, and Data Science, and plays a leading role in delivering innovative solutions for national and international markets across all three disciplines.
Purpose of the Role
The primary objective of the Materials Science Degree Apprentice – Concrete Systems role is to play an active part in maintaining Sika's technological leadership by supporting and contributing to the development and management of both innovation and product maintenance projects. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, ensuring that Sika's products and services continue to set the industry standard for performance, quality, and environmental responsibility.
What’s In it for You?
- The Opportunity: You will develop excellent understanding of the chemistry and technology of cement and concrete systems.
- You will master the principles of project management in a busy ambitious market leading organisation.
- You will be part of an innovation team with an excellent track record of identifying, developing and deploying cutting edge technologies and services.
- If you are enthusiastic about sustainability then this position is right for you.
The Support:
As this role requires a deep knowledge of Sika’s internal working processes, both in R&D and infrastructure, you will be trained in these processes with full support from our existing team. We are a small team who prioritise satisfaction and excellence in our work, and we will do our utmost to ensure that you are content in your role, accommodating for your needs. We aim to foster an honest and democratic culture, where all voices are equally important, and everyone is treated with respect.
The Skills:
This role requires a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one. You will be first and foremost required to be an excellent team player with a proactive interdependent attitude. You will be required to effectively handle numerous projects relevant to product development and technical service (both internal and external). Your excellent interpersonal skills will be essential in maintaining productive relationships with key stakeholders across multiple departments within the organisation as well as customers and material suppliers.
The Future: Potential Career Routes: R&D Chemist, Senior Project Leader, Team Leader. The opportunity to progress within a global company across a variety of business areas.
Qualifications
What we need from you?
- Minimum Level 3 qualification (A-levels, BTEC or equivalent) or relevant prior experience.
- GCSE Maths and English at Grade C/4 or above (or to be achieved prior to End Point Assessment).
- Enthusiasm for science, engineering, and materials technology.
- Familiarity with MS Office and willingness to learn new digital tools.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
- Team player aptitude is a must.
- Desire to learn and develop.
Additional Information
The Rewards: You will be rewarded with a competitive salary, and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:
- Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service, plus bank holidays.
- Core Hours Working.
- A company pension contribution of up to 10%.
- Private healthcare for you, with option to add family.
- Group life cover at 6 × your annual salary.
- Global Income Protection (PHI).
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
- Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme.
- Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones.
- Selected discounted Sika products.
We offer competitive salaries, aligned with local market benchmarks and the specific scope and responsibilities of each role. Compensation is determined based on skills relevant to the position, education and/or training. We are committed to fair and equitable pay practices in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Materials Science Degree Apprentice - Concrete Systems in Welwyn Garden City employer: Sika
Sika is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and opportunities for career progression within a global framework. With benefits such as 25 days of holiday and the flexibility of hybrid working, Sika fosters a balanced work-life environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers while contributing to a dynamic team in Leeds.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Science Degree Apprentice - Concrete Systems in Welwyn Garden City
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on Sika’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Science Degree Apprentice - Concrete Systems in Welwyn Garden City
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at Sika, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at Sika and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at Sika to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sika
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at Sika.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at Sika.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at Sika, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
