Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - White Rose Laboratory Services Ltd

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: Castleford

Compensation: £22,568 - £26,436 / year

Description Location: Lumley Street, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5LB

Expected Start Date: ASAP Working for White Rose Laboratory Services Ltd White Rose Laboratory Services Ltd is a small independent testing laboratory formed in 2014. UKAS-accredited, they offer high-quality testing services to clients as well as establishing good relationships with many subcontract laboratories, to provide a comprehensive construction testing and sampling service.

🔗 About White Rose Laboratory Services Ltd The Package

• Starting salary of £22,568 - £ 26,436 per year (depending on age)
• Workings hours are 40hours per week
• Overtime available
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Key Responsibilities We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Testing Apprentice to join our team, supporting the day-to-day laboratory testing of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and soils. This hands-on role will involve performing tests in accordance with standard procedures, calculating results, and assisting in the preparation of reports. Some tasks are physically demanding and may involve lifting sample bags weighing up to 20kg.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in construction materials testing, offering opportunities to develop both practical and technical skills in a supportive environment.

• Learn and perform tests on construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and soils in accordance with standard procedures.
• Calculate and record test results accurately and submit them for review and reporting.
• Shadow experienced technicians to gain hands-on experience and build practical skills.
• Carry out laboratory testing to assess compliance with relevant British, European, and project-specific specifications.
• Maintain high standards of work in line with UKAS accreditation requirements.
• Follow the laboratory’s quality management system and develop an understanding of materials reporting processes.
• Produce clear and accurate factual reports to support project teams and managers.
• Communicate proactively with colleagues to ensure smooth workflow and effective teamwork.
• Comply with all laboratory and site health and safety procedures.
• Assist with the handling and lifting of material samples (up to 20kg) safely and efficiently.
• Work as part of a supportive, close-knit team and engage in on-the-job learning to achieve relevant qualifications.

About You You’re naturally curious about how materials behave and enjoy understanding why they perform the way they do, 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 materials testing laboratory.

You’re someone who thrives in a structured setting. You like clarity, routine, and knowing what good looks like. Following standardised test methods, working with laboratory equipment, and carefully preparing samples and recording data feels satisfying rather than restrictive. You’re patient, focused, and comfortable repeating precise tasks because you understand that consistency and accuracy are essential for high-quality results.

You take safety, quality standards, and laboratory procedures seriously, and you approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re just as comfortable working independently as you are communicating clearly with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers. You’re motivated by analysing results, understanding why materials pass or fail, and progressing over time, building your skills step by step and becoming a trusted expert in materials testing.

Please note: You must be 20+ due to the nature of the working environment Please note: A full UK manual driving licence is required for this role Apprenticeship Eligibility To Apply For This Apprenticeship, You Must ✔️ 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.

So how does the apprenticeship work? Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.

As part of this Level 3 Materials 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.

👉 Learn more about the programme here. 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 materials 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 Materials or Chemistry.