Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Heidelberg Materials UK na Tiro




Location:  The Ridge, Bristol, BS37 6AY

Working for Heidelberg Materials: 

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.

 

We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

 

At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation. 

We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Product Development Technician (Level 3) to join our expert team at the Heidelberg Materials UK Chipping Sodbury National Laboratory. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in the testing, development, and innovation of materials that support the UK’s road and infrastructure network. Working closely with experienced professionals, you’ll help ensure our products meet exacting performance and sustainability standards through hands-on laboratory testing, analysis, and reporting.

This is an apprenticeship role. You will be required to complete a study and apprenticeship programme and maintain all required apprenticeship documentation adhereing to all apprenticeship requirements and commitments.   

You will learn and develop towards carrying out the below duties: all within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that champions innovation, sustainability, and personal growth.

What could the future look like?

When you join Heidelberg Materials UK, the possibilities for your success are limitless. 

Starting your journey in the Asphalt Product Development Laboratory as an apprentice, you’ll be part of the team responsible for designing all UK asphalt materials, ensuring their ongoing performance, and driving research and innovation in new technologies that shape the future of our products.

You’ll gain hands-on experience in a well-established construction materials testing laboratory, working closely with a small team of technical experts and supporting activities such as product development and complaint investigations.

As your skills grow, so will your opportunities you could progress into senior supervisory or laboratory management roles, move into an Area Technical Manager position, join our National Laboratory for quality control, or even transition into production at plant level, helping to manufacture the very products you helped to develop.

About You

We are looking for an apprentice who is curious motivated, and ready to take on challenges in a laboratory environment. You should bring enthusiasm and a genuine interest in materials science, engineering, or product development, with a proactive approach to learning new techniques and technologies.

What we are looking for

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous science 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.

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! 

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 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship.

You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Heidelberg Materials UK 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.