Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - SOCOTEC in Stafford

Location: Bretby Business Park Ashby Rd E, Burton upon Trent, DE15 0YZ

Working for SOCOTEC UK, we have over 2,000 colleagues across our divisions delivering world‑class services to our customers. We provide an unrivalled range of testing, inspection, and certification services throughout the UK and deliver excellence by recruiting and retaining the very best industry talent. We offer transversal career pathways as well as linear pathways, and we will support you in attaining a portfolio career in one place. We provide opportunities for local, national and global work, in the office or remotely, and are committed to your personal and professional development.

The Package

• Starting salary of £19,000 /year (increasing to at least NMW for your age group after the first 12 months of training).
• 25 days holiday with the opportunity to buy more.
• Electric car scheme (where applicable).
• Employee recognition schemes.
• Family friendly support.
• Employee benefits and discounts app.
• Employee assistance programmes.
• Enhanced company pension.

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Apprentice Laboratory Technician to join our Infrastructure division, supporting specialist teams with the testing and monitoring of building foundations across a range of projects. This fixed‑term apprenticeship provides hands‑on experience in a specialised coatings and materials environment, where you will assist with sample analysis, reporting, and essential laboratory support activities. With guidance and mentoring from experienced professionals, you will develop practical technical skills, gain valuable industry knowledge, and build a strong foundation for a successful career in laboratory and infrastructure services within a supportive and progressive organisation.

Summary Of Duties

• Carry out assigned tasks and effectively prioritise workload to ensure customer samples are received, logged, analysed and reported in a timely and efficient manner.
• Support the preparation, testing and monitoring of samples in accordance with laboratory procedures and quality standards.
• Produce clear and accurate reports for both internal and external clients, ensuring all data is recorded and presented correctly.
• Undertake laboratory supporting activities, including internal calibration checks on thermometers, fridges and laboratory instruments, and maintain accurate records of all checks.
• Assist with the maintenance of laboratory equipment and ensure work areas are clean, organised and compliant with health and safety requirements.
• Accurately record test results, observations and documentation in line with company and regulatory standards.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory staff and technical specialists to support ongoing projects and meet deadlines.
• Follow established quality, safety and environmental procedures at all times.
• Support general laboratory operations and administrative tasks as required to ensure smooth day‑to‑day workflow.

What could the future look like?

When you join SOCOTEC, 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 training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. This apprenticeship programme serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech). This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it is the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services or educational institutions, the doors are wide open. 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 Applied Materials Science or Applied Chemical Science.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

You are a motivated and enthusiastic individual who thrives in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment. You can work well both independently and as part of a team, keeping a clear focus on deadlines and ensuring tasks are completed efficiently. You demonstrate excellent time‑keeping and are reliable in managing your workload. With strong customer service skills, you are able to communicate effectively, maintain professionalism and support client needs. You are eager to learn, develop your technical skills, and build a rewarding career in laboratory and infrastructure services.

Experience

We value attitude, curiosity and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous science experience can be helpful, it is 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 are enthusiastic, proactive and ready to learn, you will 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 upfront about what they know and don’t know, are considerate, self‑reflective and impatient to learn the job role.

How does the apprenticeship work?

Over 18 months, you will devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week to ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (e.g. virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (e.g. 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 SOCOTEC 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. To be eligible, applicants must 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 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. If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further.