Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - White Rose Laboratory Services Ltd in Castleford

Location: Lumley Street, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5LB

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Working for White Rose Laboratory Services Ltd, a small independent testing laboratory formed in 2014. UKAS-accredited, they offer high-quality testing services to clients as well as establishing good relationships with many subcontract laboratories, to provide a comprehensive construction testing and sampling service.

The Package

• Starting salary of £22,568 - £26,436 per year (depending on age)
• Working hours are 40 hours per week
• Overtime available
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day laboratory testing of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and soils.
• Perform tests in accordance with standard procedures, calculate results, and assist in the preparation of reports.
• Some tasks are physically demanding and may involve lifting sample bags weighing up to 20kg.
• Learn and perform tests on construction materials in accordance with standard procedures.
• Calculate and record test results accurately and submit them for review and reporting.
• Shadow experienced technicians to gain hands-on experience and build practical skills.
• Carry out laboratory testing to assess compliance with relevant British, European, and project-specific specifications.
• Maintain high standards of work in line with UKAS accreditation requirements.
• Follow the laboratory’s quality management system and develop an understanding of materials reporting processes.
• Produce clear and accurate factual reports to support project teams and managers.
• Communicate proactively with colleagues to ensure smooth workflow and effective teamwork.
• Comply with all laboratory and site health and safety procedures.
• Assist with the handling and lifting of material samples (up to 20kg) safely and efficiently.
• Work as part of a supportive, close-knit team and engage in on-the-job learning to achieve relevant qualifications.

About You

You’re naturally curious about how materials behave and enjoy understanding why they perform the way they do. You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail, and producing accurate, reliable results. You’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a long-term career in a materials testing laboratory. You thrive in a structured setting, appreciate clarity and routine, and understand that consistency and accuracy are essential for high-quality results. You take safety, quality standards, and laboratory procedures seriously, and you approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re comfortable working independently and communicating clearly with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers. You’re motivated by analysing results and progressing over time, building your skills step by step.

Please note: You must be 20+ due to the nature of the working environment.

Please note: A full UK manual driving licence is required for this role.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

• Be 16 or over
• Not be in full-time education
• Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
• Have the right to work in the UK

Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further.

How does the apprenticeship work?

Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment. As part of this Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects.

Over 20 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace. You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.

What your training will look like:

You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.

What could your future look like?

This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a materials technician and progress within the industry. Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech). You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field. If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.