Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Register your Interest! in Southampton

Location: Southampton / Hampshire Area

Laboratory technicians play a vital role in some of the most exciting and fast-moving industries in the world. Working at the cutting edge of science and technology, they help turn ideas into reality, carrying out everything from essential routine testing to unique experiments that drive real progress.

What makes the role even more exciting is the variety of paths it can lead to. You could be contributing to breakthroughs in biology, supporting research into health, disease, or the environment, or working within chemistry across areas like research and development, waste management, or cosmetics. In other settings, you might explore materials science, helping to develop and test innovative materials used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and metallurgy.

If you’re curious, hands-on, and want a career where your work has real impact, this apprenticeship is your opportunity to get started.

Working With Our Ambitious Employers

At Tiro, we partner with ambitious, forward-thinking employers to create genuinely unique apprenticeship opportunities. Our employer partners are committed to developing future science professionals by offering meaningful, hands-on experience in real working environments. As a Laboratory Technician apprentice, you’ll gain practical exposure to laboratory work while earning and building the foundations of a long-term scientific career. We’re looking for individuals who are ready to be hands-on, take responsibility, and build specialist expertise in the Science industry.

About You

You’re naturally curious and enjoy understanding how things work, not just following instructions. You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail, and producing accurate, reliable results. Whether you’ve explored science before or are just starting out, you’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a long-term career in a laboratory environment. You’re someone who thrives in a structured setting - you like clarity, routine, and knowing what good looks like. Following processes, working to standards, and carefully recording your work feels satisfying rather than restrictive. You’re patient, focused, and comfortable spending time on precise tasks, even when they’re repetitive, because you understand that quality and consistency matter. You take ownership of your learning, are open to feedback, and approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re just as happy working independently as you are contributing to a team, and you’re excited by the idea of progressing within a lab setting - building your skills step by step and becoming a trusted expert over time.

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.

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

Start your career as a laboratory technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real scientific work in a professional laboratory or technical environment. As part of this Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site-based environment.

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 laboratory 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 Biology, Materials, or Chemistry.