Materials Technician Apprentice

Department:
Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location:
High Wycombe

Compensation:
£23,500 / year

Description
"Ready to dive in, get hands-on, and put materials to the test? Discover your perfect match at the Fire and Building Products Laboratory, where Elements fuel your passion"
Location:
Fire and Building Products Laboratory, Chiltern House, Stocking Lane, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP14 4ND
Working for Element
The High Wycombe facility specializes in product and materials testing and is UKAS accredited to undertake testing for fire resistance, smoke leakage, structural integrity and performance, acoustic testing of building components, mechanical testing of construction products (specialising in timber and fasteners) and pre-completion air leakage and sound insulation testing of buildings. Located just 35 miles west of London, we have been providing testing services to the construction industry for over 40 years.

Everyone at Element lives and breathes three core values. In our day-to-day work, we are guided by our values of Integrity, Care, and Progress.

We are committed to personal and professional development, and you will be supported and mentored at every step of your journey with us. You will join a large team of industry-leading, expert professionals and receive exposure to some of the best opportunities and challenges available.

The Package

• Starting salary is £23,500 per year
• Workings hours are 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday (Shift patterns including: 9am – 5pm; 7am – 3pm; 12pm – 8pm)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Employee assistance programmes
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

We are not your average TIC company and pride ourselves on putting integrity, progress and care at the core of everything we do.
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials
Technician Apprentice to join our team, supporting day-to-day laboratory operations and fire resistance testing under the supervision of the Lead Technician. In this role, you'll prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests, assist with the fabrication and installation of test specimens and supporting constructions, and ensure that all laboratory, testing, and safety equipment is properly maintained. You'll also take part in the demolition and disposal of test remains, contributing to the smooth running and high standards of the testing environment.

This apprenticeship offers an excellent foundation for a future career in fire testing and materials evaluation, giving you the chance to develop a wide range of practical, technical, and problem-solving skills. It's a great way to begin your journey with Element—gaining real-world experience while studying for a nationally recognised qualification, with full support and guidance every step of the way.

Summary of duties:
Under the supervision of the under the supervision of the Lead Technician, you'll perform prepare for and conduct fire resistance tests, alongside maintaining the testing/safety equipment and laboratory to a standard suitable for the testing undertaken.

• Fabrication of supporting constructions for test specimens
• Fabrication of specialist constructions required for tests
• Installation of test specimens
• Instrumentation of test specimens
• Conduct tests
• Demolition and disposal of test remains
• Maintenance of laboratory, test equipment and safety equipment

This opportunity is a great way to begin your journey with Element by gaining real-life work experience while you study for a nationally recognised qualification. We'll support you at every stage throughout your apprenticeship, providing you with the opportunity to learn new skills and get stuck in with some exciting projects.

Please note, due to the nature of this position, you must be aged 18+, hold a full UK driving license and live within a 45 minute commute to site.
What could the future look like?
When you join Element, 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, on-the-job training, you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors.

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 a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and absorb new skills and is capable of using a variety of hand tools.

You must be a good communicator and team player at all levels, and capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner.

Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous experience can be helpful, it's 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're enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you'll 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 up front about what they do and don't already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role

So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 18 months, you'll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on 'off the job' training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship.

You'll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Element
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.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.

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.

You'll need to 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 don't quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you're interested here and we'll get in touch to discuss this further with you.