Materials Site Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Construction Testing Solutions (CTS) in Penrith

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Hall Business Centre, Hackthorpe, Penrith, CA10 2HX

Working for CTS: CTS provides a comprehensive range of onsite and laboratory-based materials testing services, supporting all sectors of the construction market — including residential and commercial developments, rail, highways, airports, tunnelling, mining, utilities, and brownfield regeneration.

Are you looking for a hands‑on, outdoor role with real variety and clear career progression? Do you want to break free from office life, receive full training, and work across diverse construction sites? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to kickstart a long‑term career in Construction Materials Testing.

The Package

• Starting salary: £24,000 per annum (depending on age)
• Working hours: 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday
• Paid overtime rates
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Access to company vehicle, fuel card, equipment, tablet and phone
• Regular training & CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

As a Materials Site Technician, you’ll work outdoors and travel to a range of construction sites, carrying out testing and sampling of materials such as concrete, asphalt, and soil. You’ll play a key role in ensuring materials meet the highest industry standards, while safely managing equipment and maintaining accurate records.

Key Responsibilities

• On‑site testing and sampling – Conducting concrete, asphalt, and soil testing in line with industry standards and procedures.
• Field‑based work Cumbria – Supporting a wide variety of projects, with no two days the same.
• Equipment and data management – Using digital tools to record, analyse, and report test results accurately.
• Independent site working – Planning your daily workload and taking responsibility for test execution on site.

What could the future look like?

When you join CTS, 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’re a motivated, detail‑oriented individual who enjoys hands‑on, outdoor work and wants to build a long‑term career in construction materials testing. Curious and analytical, you take pride in producing accurate, high‑quality test results on materials like concrete, asphalt, and soil. You work responsibly and professionally, following health and safety procedures, and thrive in fast‑paced, dynamic environments. Flexible and adaptable, you enjoy travelling to different construction sites across Cumbria and embracing the variety each day brings. Whether working independently on site or as part of a team, you communicate confidently with colleagues and clients at all levels.

Even if this doesn’t sound quite like you, but you still think you could do a great job in the role, get in touch.

Please note, due to the nature of the role, candidates must be aged 18+ and hold a full clean driving licence.

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?

At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board. 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 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at CTS 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 16, 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.