Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Description
Location: 7-10 The Quadrangle, Grove Business Park, Wantage, OX12 9FA 

Working for PhosphonicS PhosphonicS is a growing entrepreneurial company dedicated to promoting sustainable metal recycling and recovery processes. The company supplies a range of advanced functionalised materials for precious metal recovery and pharmaceutical and speciality chemical purification.

PhosphonicS focuses on delivering sustainable and high value solutions to its customers, working closely with a range of multinational companies on projects from laboratory scale right through to full scale production applications.

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 £23,400 per year
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
• Company Christmas Shutdown
• Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week
• Opportunity to progress with the company long-term
• Eligibility Workplace Pension following 3 months of employment

Key ResponsibilitiesWhat will I be doing as an apprentice?  The role is laboratory based and the successful candidate is expected to join a small scientific team working as a laboratory technician alongside apprenticeship modular learning with TIRO.

The principal responsibilities of the role include: 

• To support the quality control manager with routine calibration of equipment such as balances, pipettes, thermometers.
• To undertake quality control testing on raw materials and finished products.  This will include techniques such as Q-nmr, LOD, TGA, particle size analysis, HPLC. 
• To carry out client sample evaluations including involvement in running the in-house PhASE programme to screen and optimise scavengers’ application.
• To work with the production team manufacturing PhosphonicS scavengers on a 20 L scale.
• Maintenance of some laboratory equipment and be involved in maintaining good housekeeping in the laboratories.
• To take part in other company projects and initiatives as required.

What could the future look like?When you join PhosphonicS, 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 training on the job, you will acquire new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for laboratory testing. 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). This program unlocks a multitude of career paths, granting you access to diverse organisations across various sectors. Whether it's the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (primary and secondary), biotechnology companies, nuclear enterprises, analytical science services, or educational institutions, the doors are wide open. 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 Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Chemical Science. Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed
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 21 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 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at PhosphonicS Limited, 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   

Requirements

Qualifications It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who have drive 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 PhosphonicS Limited. Skills & Characteristics You will have a genuine interest Chemistry and chemical analysis, with a strong work ethic and desire to learn and develop in this industry. You will have a conscientious mindset with a desire to complete a task or body of work on time and to the best of your ability. You will be naturally observant with the ability to record your observations accurately and in a timely manner. 

You will be able to work independently, but also have the confidence to seek help or affirmation when uncertain, particularly with respect to health and safety. You are generally well organised and can follow written and verbal instructions with care and precision. 

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.     

Eligibility There are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government. You’ll need to be 18 or over, 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. 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.

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