Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - PJB Technical Services

Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - PJB Technical Services

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Hounslow

Compensation: £26,000 / year

Description

Location: PJB Technical Services, Heathrow Terminal 4, Stratford Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 3XA

Expected Start Date: ASAP

PJB Technical Services specialises in comprehensive testing services for airfields and aggregates, asphalt, concrete and soils. We operate internal and mobile laboratories for in situ investigations and lab testing across the UK and abroad. We offer a range of testing including grip, coring, pull testing, plate loads and LWDs.

Founded in 1992, we continue to grow a diverse team with expertise in engineering and testing.

The Package

• Starting salary of £26,000 per year
• Working hours 37.5 hours per week
• Pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
• Flexible shift patterns
• Excellent entry level role for candidates with limited experience

Key Responsibilities

We offer an opportunity for a Materials Technician Apprentice to support day to day laboratory and site operations. The role involves assisting with routine materials testing, maintaining equipment, and supporting technicians in the laboratory and on construction sites where permitted.

• Carry out basic laboratory tasks to support routine materials testing activities.
• Assist with making and demoulding of concrete cubes and beams.
• Maintain clean, organised, and well stocked laboratory and store areas.
• Clean, restock, and check testing equipment, ensuring calibration dates are current.
• Support vehicle management by updating tracking systems and confirming daily checks have been completed.
• Assist site teams when permitted and holding the appropriate CSCS card, including supporting coring operations and reinstating core holes.
• Log, trim, and prepare cores in the laboratory for compressive strength testing.
• Support on site concrete testing activities, including air entrainment, slump testing, and general quality control work.
• Weigh concrete samples in air and water to calculate density and assist with on site crushing tests.
• Assist with ground investigation testing, including plate loading, CBR testing, and dynamic plate (LWD) testing.

This role is ideal for a candidate with limited experience, who will have the opportunity to develop as the role progresses.

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 thrive 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.

This role does not require a full driving licence to apply, but you must be working towards obtaining one, as travel to various sites will be needed during the apprenticeship.

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.

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.