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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare metal samples, conduct tests, and ensure compliance with standards.
- Company: Join Special Melted Products, a leader in premium specialty steels since the 1800s.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of leave, private healthcare, and regular training opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment with potential for career growth.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science; passion for materials science required.
- Other info: Apprenticeship leads to Level 3 qualification and potential full-time roles.
Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3
Location: Sheffield
Compensation: £15,771 / year
Description Location: Commercial Testing Services Laboratory, Blackmore Street, Sheffield, S4 7UU
Working for SMP
At Special Melted Products, we have a long history, with a metals production lineage dating back to the 1800s. The company has developed into a manufacturer of premium, speciality steels and nickel-based Super Alloys used in critical applications for the Aerospace, Oil & Gas, and Civil Nuclear industries. We pride ourselves on having a world-class team with exceptional capabilities, offering high levels of customer service and product innovation. We are a “one-stop shop” for melted alloys and components.
We are now looking for two enthusiastic Materials Testing Technician Apprentices (Level 3) to join our team!
The Package
- Starting salary: £15,771.08 per annum (increasing to National Minimum Wage after 12 months if applicable)
- Working hours: 37.5 hours per week – day shifts
- 33 days of annual leave, including bank holidays
- Private healthcare
- Full sick pay after 1 year of service
- Regular training & CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as a Materials Testing Technician Apprentice?
As an Apprentice, you’ll work as part of a team preparing metal samples for testing, carrying out heat treatment, and performing a range of analytical, mechanical, and metallographic testing to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
Your day-to-day tasks will include:
- Carrying out metallurgical testing including tensile, hardness, impact, creep strain, stress rupture, grain size, OES, XRF, Leco, AA, macrostructure, and microstructure evaluations.
- Ensuring testing is carried out in accordance with the relevant procedure.
- Evaluating results against relevant specifications.
- Maintaining and calibrating testing equipment prior to use.
- Carrying out heat treatment according to specifications.
- Maintaining and calibrating furnaces prior to use.
- Working safely and participating in company safety initiatives.
- Providing results in a timely manner as per planned dates.
- Communicating effectively with team members and technical supervision.
- Participating in training and audits as required.
- Assisting with improvements to procedures, equipment, and methods to increase laboratory efficiency.
What could the future look like?
Joining SMP offers limitless possibilities for success. Potentially, you could secure a full-time position after your apprenticeship. The practical training prepares you for careers in manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or R&D sectors, with a growing demand for skilled professionals ensuring the quality and reliability of materials. This program also serves as a stepping stone toward a career in laboratory testing, with opportunities to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech). Further educational progression, such as our Level 6 BSc in Applied Materials Science, can lead to more specialized or leadership roles. Your hard work and dedication will be recognized!
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
About you
The ideal candidate will have a positive attitude towards learning, with a solid GCSE foundation in Maths, English, and Science. You should have a passion for gaining hands-on experience in an analytical role, with an interest in materials science, engineering, or laboratory testing. You should enjoy an analytical approach, with attention to detail and curiosity to ask questions and develop your skills. Ability to learn new systems quickly and use data analysis/reporting software is essential. High standards in health & safety are crucial, along with ownership of responsibilities, teamwork, and collaboration.
Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 17+ and able to reliably commute to the site within 45 minutes.
Qualifications
Enthusiasm matters more than school results. Successful apprentices are driven to learn, honest about their knowledge, considerate, self-reflective, and eager to develop their skills.
Experience
We value the right attitude and aptitude over specific experience or qualifications; fitting into SMP’s environment is key.
How does the apprenticeship work?
Over 21 months, you’ll dedicate at least 6 hours weekly to ‘off the job’ training, including virtual lessons, shadowing, mentoring, and assignments. This will lead to a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, guided by expert tutors and mentors. You’ll gain practical experience that’s often unavailable in traditional academic settings, all while earning a salary without student debt.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet UK Government criteria: over 17, not in full-time education, UK residency for 3 years, and the right to work in the UK. If you hold a Level 3 qualification or higher in a related field or substantial relevant experience, you might not qualify for funding, as these programs are designed for upskilling or reskilling.
Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Special Melted Products (SMP) employer: Tiro
Contact Detail:
Tiro Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Special Melted Products (SMP)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific testing methods mentioned in the job description, such as tensile and hardness testing. Understanding these processes will not only help you during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research Special Melted Products and their history in the metals industry. Being knowledgeable about the company’s background and its products can give you an edge in discussions and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Connect with current or former employees on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights into the company culture and the apprenticeship experience. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your passion for materials science and analytical roles during interviews. Think of examples from your studies or personal projects that highlight your curiosity and attention to detail, as these traits are highly valued by SMP.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Testing Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Special Melted Products (SMP)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences related to materials science, engineering, or laboratory testing. Emphasise any hands-on experience or projects that demonstrate your analytical abilities.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the apprenticeship and your passion for learning. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you and how they align with your career goals.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science, as well as any other qualifications that may be relevant. If you have any additional training or certifications, include those too.
Showcase Your Attitude: In your application, convey your positive attitude towards learning and your eagerness to develop new skills. Use examples to illustrate your curiosity and attention to detail, which are essential for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tiro
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your genuine interest in the role and the company. Talk about why you are excited about the opportunity to work with materials science and how it aligns with your career goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss any relevant experiences or projects where you've used analytical skills. Be ready to explain how you approach problem-solving and your attention to detail, as these are crucial for a Materials Testing Technician.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, the team you'll be working with, or the types of projects you'll be involved in. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about the role.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Since the role involves working closely with others, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and contribute positively to group dynamics.
