Construction Technician Apprentice; Level 3 - Quartz Scientific

Overview

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Location: St Albans

Compensation: £18,500 / year

Location: Unit 6 Park Industrial Estate, Frogmore, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL2 2DR

Working for Quartz Scientific

Quartz Scientific has over 30 years’ experience as an independent UKAS accredited laboratory providing chemical analysis and consultancy to the construction industry. Services provided include tests for aggregates, paint, gypsum plasters and water for concrete. We are a hard-working team, whose laboratory provides its services to construction projects of all scales, in both the public and private sectors, within the Greater London area and beyond.

Technological advances in the industry and the requirement during restoration of historical buildings to use identical materials continue to make demands on the analysis of samples and the interpretation of results. Established in 1991 and UKAS accredited in 1995, Quartz Scientific has the depth of knowledge and experience to keep pace with these changes and they continue to occur. We are now looking to share this knowledge and experience, as we expand our laboratory team with this amazing apprenticeship opportunity!

• Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months, if applicable)
• 28 days holiday (incl. bank holidays)
• Typical working hours are 40 hours per week (9:00am – 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, half an hour for lunch). If the workload dictates, working hours can be requested anytime between 7:00am and 9:00pm. Weekend overtime, as necessary.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Reporting directly to the laboratory manager, you’ll assist with the preparation and testing of a wide range of construction materials such as concrete, aggregates, mortar, and paint. As a UKAS accredited laboratory, quality is at the heart of everything we do. You’ll diligently follow the quality system with regular calibrations, duplicate samples, and analysis of quality control standards.

• Sample preparation.
• Chemical analyses such as titrations, gravimetric analyses, use of ion selective electrodes and spectroscopy in accordance with accredited methods and quality procedures. Training is given internally on each method and technique as the requirement arises.
• Preparation of reagents, standards, and glassware.
• Data input - booking in samples and general administration of the sample throughput.
• Ensure all safety and quality standards are met.
• Ad hoc duties as required.

When you join Quartz Scientific, 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.

About You

Laboratories are a tightly run ship – particularly those that are UKAS accredited. To thrive in this role, you will need an accurate and systematic approach to your work, with excellent attention to detail. Precision matters in this role, so a careful and methodical mindset is key. A strong scientific aptitude and a genuine interest in materials science will help…