Department: Science Apprenticeship – Materials L3Location: AvonmouthCompensation: £22,568 – £26,437 per yearExpected Start Date: ASAP
Overview
This role is based in Avonmouth and will support the delivery of the Sizewell C project, a new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast that will generate low‑carbon electricity for millions of homes. As part of the Civil Works Alliance supply chain, you will help ensure quality, safety and performance of materials used in this nationally significant infrastructure project. The apprenticeship offers hands‑on experience and the chance to contribute to a project that will create thousands of jobs and support local communities.
Package
- Starting salary of National Minimum Wage (depending on age and experience)
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Shift work and overtime may be required
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
Responsibilities
- Work alongside experts to test construction materials such as concrete, aggregates and cement, ensuring they meet the high standards required for a nuclear project.
- Help bring materials testing into the 21st century by using new technologies, such as automated processes and digital reporting systems.
- Support the team in maintaining the UKAS accreditation of the laboratory, which involves following strict quality and safety standards.
- Travel to site locations to collect materials and conduct tests, gaining experience in both laboratory and fieldwork.
- Develop skills in non‑destructive testing (NDT) and other advanced techniques, setting you up for a rewarding career in materials science.
- Complete a 21‑month Level 3 Apprenticeship, with the opportunity to progress to higher qualifications, such as a Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Materials Science.
About You
You enjoy being out on site and part of real‑world projects rather than working behind a desk. Working outdoors, travelling between locations, and being involved in construction environments appeals to you – you like seeing how things are built and ensuring they’re done properly.
You are practical, reliable and detail‑focused. You take pride in following procedures accurately, whether that’s measuring materials, carrying out tests or recording results. You understand that quality and safety matter, especially in a busy site environment, and you’re comfortable working to clear standards and deadlines without cutting corners.
You learn best by doing and enjoy hands‑on work using equipment and tools. You’re confident with basic maths and recording data, and you stay calm and focused even when working around machinery or in fast‑paced environments. You’re happy working independently once trained, but also communicate clearly with site teams to ensure work is completed safely and correctly.
You’re motivated by being part of something tangible – contributing to projects like roads, buildings and infrastructure – and you’re keen to build a long‑term career in the construction or materials testing industry.
You must be 18+ due to the nature of the working environment and a full UK manual driving licence is required for this role.
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.
How the Apprenticeship Works
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.
Over 20 months, you’ll combine day‑to‑day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors. A 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.
Training Overview
You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning and hands‑on workplace training to build your skills step by step.
Future Opportunities
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. The 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 have the opportunity to progress onto higher‑level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.
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