Physics Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) – Loughborough University

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Location: Loughborough

Compensation: £24,794 / year

Description

Location: Epinal Way, Loughborough LE11 3TU

Working for Loughborough University

Loughborough University is a leading UK institution renowned for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, particularly in science, engineering, and technology. With a strong reputation for student experience and cutting-edge facilities, Loughborough is committed to developing talent and providing a supportive and inclusive working environment.

Loughborough University is a signatory of the national Technician Commitment Scheme which pledges to ensure the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of their technical staff. The successful candidate will therefore be joining a thriving and visible community of staff with opportunities for collaboration and networking, and a clearly defined career pathway against which they can map and plan their own professional development and career progression.

We have exciting an exciting new opportunity for a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join our Physics department! This is a new scheme where you will have the opportunity to support the learning environment for Loughborough University students in Schools and Workshops and to support leading research.

The Package

• Starting salary is £24,794 per year
• Annual salary increase
• Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 9am - 5.30pm
• 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days)
• On-campus parking
• On-site nursery
• Company pension
• Sports facilities & preferential membership packages
• Family friendly, inclusive employment policies
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
  
  

What will I be doing as a Physics Laboratory Technician apprentice?

As an apprentice, you’ll play a key role in supporting our laboratory team with day-to-day tasks. With the right training and supervision, you will work as part of a close-knit team, to provide a high-quality science support service to the Physics department.

In this role, you will:

• Provide technical support for teaching and/or research, including preparing facilities for practical sessions
• Ensure timely turnaround of technical facilities between sessions, including cleaning and resetting.
• Observe Health and Safety regulations and escalate any issues. Willingness to take on University health and safety roles, such as first aider and fire marshal.
• Help prepare for and assist with Open Days, student visit days and outreach activities. Flexibility regarding working hours/days may be requested at times.
• Maintain good working relationships and communicate effectively with technical staff, academics, students, and visitors. Attend and contribute to team meetings within the School and attend University technician networking events.
• Provide cover for any absence of other technical staff, at an appropriate level for the grade, when necessary.
• Enrol, attend and complete college course as part of the apprenticeship terms. Complete other role-specific training, such as manual handling training. This may require externally provided training.
• Undertake other general tasks and duties, commensurate with the level of the position, as directed by the Line Manager.

Please note: The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of duties and responsibility of the post. The detailed duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character or level of responsibility entailed.

What could the future look like?

When you join Loughborough University 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 in science and engineering.

Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

About You

We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who demonstrates an ability to learn quickly and absorb new skills and is capable of following instructions and procedures accurately and in a timely and efficient manner.

We’re looking for a proactive and enthusiastic individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is always ready to lend a hand.

You’ll be someone who shows initiative daily, takes ownership of your tasks, and doesn’t need constant direction to stay productive.

With strong communication skills, you’ll feel confident supporting a variety of people—from lab teams and professors to students and administrative staff. You’ll be comfortable following instructions carefully while also adapting to a dynamic workplace where no two days are the same.

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

Please check your commute before applying. We are unable to accept applicants who have a commute exceeding 45 minutes to site.

Experience


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 Loughborough University.

Qualifications


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!

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 20 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 Loughborough University 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 18, 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.