Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Heidelberg Materials in Chipping Sodbury

Location: Ridgewood House, The Ridge, Chipping Sodbury, Bristol, BS37 6AY

Working for Heidelberg Materials

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

Package

• Starting salary of £20,176/year (Increasing to at least NMW for your age after the first 12 months)
• Bonus incentives
• Generous Pension Schemes
• Life Assurance
• 27 days holiday (excluding bank holidays)
• Agile and flexible working options
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Sabbatical opportunities
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Parental Leave
• Paid annual Volunteering Day
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee benefits portal with gym discounts
• Free eye tests
• Discounted private medical cover

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are looking for a motivated and detail‑driven Apprentice Laboratory Technician to join our Technical team in Chipping Sodbury. This role involves supporting laboratory‑based specimen preparation and testing for Concrete, Asphalt and Quarry products, working to recognised EN and British Standards as well as company procedures.

You will contribute to this by helping maintain our comprehensive quality management programme and ensuring consistent, high‑quality results. This is a hands‑on, repetitive role that requires an excellent eye for detail, accuracy, and a commitment to safe working practices. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will follow a structured learning programme with an approved apprenticeship provider—so motivation, curiosity and a proactive approach to learning are essential.

Summary of duties

• Support the technical team in delivering cost‑effective product manufacture
• Prepare and test materials to agreed standards and procedures
• Help maintain product quality in line with operational, commercial and customer requirements
• Provide high‑quality technical support for internal and external stakeholders
• Carry out tasks safely, accurately and efficiently with strong attention to detail
• Complete any additional duties as required by your manager

What could the future look like?

When you join Heidelberg Materials, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full‑time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship. Through practical, on‑the‑job training, you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors. This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher‑level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You

You’ll have an excellent eye for detail and take pride in working accurately and consistently, even when tasks are repetitive. You’ll be enthusiastic about learning laboratory and testing processes, with a proactive approach to developing your skills. Well organised and reliable, you’ll enjoy working as part of a team and be committed to building your technical knowledge while maintaining high standards in everything you do.

Please note: due to the nature of the role you must be 18+ to be eligible.

Experience

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career. You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit right in.

Qualifications

It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self‑reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Over 18 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments). Together this will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship.

You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Heidelberg Materials who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career. Being an apprentice is hands‑on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment. The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!

Eligibility

While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government. As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher‑level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway. You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.