L3 Laboratory Technician Apprentice in Preston

Welcome to the future of nuclear energy, where Westinghouse Electric Company is leading the field with expertise and innovation to shape the power of tomorrow. At Westinghouse, innovation is in our DNA. We are creative. We think differently. We reimagine the possible across the nuclear industry every day.

As a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will work towards achieving an Advanced Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship at Level 3. This will include college-based learning alongside practical, on-the-job training and the completion of assignments and a detailed portfolio. You will need to manage your time effectively to ensure all coursework is completed on schedule while performing your role.

The Springfields Analytical Services Department will base you at our Salwick site, near Preston. This is a fully on-site role.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will work with several departments across Westinghouse Springfields, gaining an understanding of how teams collaborate to support the wider business. You will also engage with external partners, allowing you to develop an understanding of our processes and operations. This includes analysing samples, and collecting, sharing, and interpreting data with other teams. We will support you at every stage of your development, ensuring that we provide you with the guidance needed to succeed. Your training will expose you to multiple scientific disciplines, including Chemistry, Metrology, and Materials Science. Towards the end of your apprenticeship programme, you will have the opportunity to apply for roles available within Westinghouse Springfields.

In addition to gaining hands-on experience within the analytical sciences, you will develop transferable skills such as communication and teamwork through close collaboration with operational areas.

From day one, you will be site-based and fully immersed in the apprenticeship programme. Alongside your role, you will complete college coursework, assignments, and a detailed portfolio. You will work with multiple departments, collaborate with external partners, analyse samples, and collect and share data with wider teams as part of your development.

5 GCSEs, including Maths, English, and Science, at grades 5–9 (A–C), BTEC, or equivalent qualifications.

You will work as part of a laboratory team responsible for preparing, analysing, and documenting materials following defined administrative procedures. The laboratory operates under an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality management system, and you will gain an understanding of how this framework supports high-quality laboratory operations. You will also receive training that supports both day-to-day activities and wider business projects. By approaching tasks with confidence and working with colleagues across different departments, you will gain hands-on experience meeting the needs of both internal and external customers and delivering a positive service. You will also develop a strong understanding of how we manufacture, monitor, and certify materials on site. You’ll also learn how we bring resources and people into the business, and how employees deliver supplies and services to customers.

We will invite you to complete online assessments in Maths and verbal reasoning if selected to progress. We will then invite you to a second-stage interview. If offered a place, you would typically start your apprenticeship in the third week of August 2026.

Apply today and join a team that values innovation, diversity, and your professional growth. You will also apply for a permanent on-site role after successfully completing the programme.

• Peer-to-peer recognition programme.
• On-the-job training delivered by experienced professionals.
• Opportunity to gain a recognised qualification through a local training provider on a day-release basis.
• We encourage our employees to participate in community service events and other team-building activities to strengthen their bonds and inspire each other.