Chemical Laboratory Technician, Degree Apprenticeship

DescriptionLocation:  Rowley Regis, West Midlands, B65 0RB
Working for Thomas Howse

Thomas Howse, established in 1903, are an independent industrial paint and powder coating manufacturer, centrally based in the West Midlands. They offer a comprehensive range of surface coating and specialise in all the latest up-to-date processes, conforming to the latest British Standards. Thomas Howse have fully trained technical staff who are able to develop new paints and can adapt unique systems to suit individual customer requirements. They are also looking at ways of reducing emissions by producing a wide range of high specification water-based paints and powder coatings that can be cured at low temperatures. These are all designed to reduce our carbon footprints and a safer work environment. They’re investing into the business, to continue to develop the company for the future. As part of this investment, they are looking for a fearless apprentice to join them, who isn’t afraid to be hands-on and has a desire to contribute to their goals long term, during this exciting time of growth and development.  The Package

At Tiro, we make great things happen for people. And that starts with you. In this role you’ll receive:

• Starting salary of £19,500 per annum (£10 per hour).
• 28 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Workings hours are 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 4:15pm, Friday 8:30am – 3:30pm).
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Quarterly Production bonus.
• Regular training and CPD opportunities.

What will I be doing as a Chemical Laboratory Technician Apprentice?As a Chemical Laboratory Technician Apprentice with Thomas Howse, you’ll have the opportunity to coordinate with the laboratory and production team to support with the laboratory activities associated with production and QC & development projects (with support from their team of experts).  You’ll be working as part of a close-knit team, supported, and guided by a team of professionals, each with diverse backgrounds and experiences you can learn from. It’s an amazing opportunity to get stuck in and no day will be the same 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, and you’ll develop a good understanding of chemical handling. Our goal is to work with you, developing your lab skills, so you become competent in various test methods and in operating key pieces of equipment. What you’ll be doing: 

• Preparing samples, development products and associated materials for testing.
• Carrying out analysis for new raw materials, process and finished products.
• Basic QC testing including, Grind (dispersion), Viscosity, Yield, Gloss, Colour (to agreed variance standards) plus any product specific testing (application, sag, weathering etc.)
• Logging/recording all results appropriately and inform line manager of any abnormal results.
• Developing the outline standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for handover to the production team. 
• Ensuring the performance of all analytical instruments following standards, maintaining up to date testing processes are in place for new materials.
• Calibration and standardization of any equipment provided for the Laboratory to agreed standards. 
• Follows up with maintenance staff for minor maintenance works in the laboratory (calibrations etc). 
• Assists the line manager in carrying out experiments, product development, problem simulation, product training, responding to technical queries and demonstrations.
• Housekeeping work in the laboratory, including preparing equipment for safe use by following company guidelines. 
• Ensure all activities are completed following laboratory standards, regulatory procedures and to health and safety guidelines.
• Any other reasonable task as directed by Lab Manager or Directors.
• Attend training courses and assessments as required by the apprenticeship standard and maintain training records. 

What could the future look like?

There’s no limit to what you can achieve if you work for Thomas Howse. Their team and business is growing and developing so they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in building their future.  There will be opportunities to further develop and progress within the business after completion of the apprenticeship.

Through ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career.  Hard work and determination will be recognised “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the business, building the future of the company. With the latest investment of 450,000 euros, we’ve been able to revamp the lab and equipment and we’re continuing to invest in the future of the company.” Gary Plant – General Manager

This apprenticeship program 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).
Skills, Knowledge, and ExperienceQualifications

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
Experience

Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. We’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Thomas Howse.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. You’ll need to demonstrate you can be positive and proactive, managing your daily working activities. The ability to think on your feet and work through problems, is crucial. 

This dynamic role means your days will be varied and you’ll have to be ready to contribute to the success of the team daily. You’ll also need to be self-confident to communicate with a range of people in the business, including clients. 

This is a spectacular opportunity, for someone who is naturally curious and an analytical thinker It’s an opportunity which is more chemically aligned, so a passion for this area of science would be a good match.  

To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn

Even if this doesn’t sound quite like you, but you still think you could do a great job in the role, get in touch. We’re always open to wildcards.
So how does the apprenticeship work?Our Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6) are designed to provide fearless scientists in the making with a head start in their chosen career. Giving you the best of both worlds, you’ll receive a recognised and accredited qualification whilst obtaining hands on practical experience.

Why Tiro?

At Tiro, we’ve partnered with Middlesex University to offer a variety of degree apprenticeship programs in the field of science including Applied Chemical Science. Our programs are designed to give you the best of both worlds: academic learning and practical training that will set you up for success in your chosen career path.

Our programs are designed to offer an alternative to graduate schemes, providing opportunities for ambitious and driven individuals with exceptional talent in STEM to progress their careers while also earning a salary.
So how does the apprenticeship work?

At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board.  Over 33 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation.

You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments.

You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at Thomas Howse Ltd who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career. You can read more about this specific programme here.

Requirements

At Tiro, our vision is to deliver transformational learning, developing apprentices into obsessive science and technology professionals and leaders, who succeed and thrive in industry. With that in mind we are looking for curious, inquiring learners, determined to continually develop core and technical skills and knowledge in their field. Our Apprentices are independent and motivated workers; they have a growth mind-set and a self-reflective approach to learning.
You’ll be fearless, ambitious, and hungry for progression onto higher levels of learning. Since this opportunity is working within the chemical industry, you should have an interest in this sector, to want drive forward your career.  You’ll have an enthusiasm for science and problem solving, be able to follow procedures and also have an inquisitive nature enabling you to question the status quo.

Entry requirements

There are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.

You’ll need to be over 16, not in full time education (at time of enrolment), have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.

Alongside this you will need to have a minimum of Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent) AND relevant work experience or lab based experience. 

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.

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to earn a degree, gain work experience, and set yourself up for a bright future.  We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.

We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.

Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.

---