Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Summary

Join YPS in York as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice, helping build advanced components for electron microscopes. This hands-on role includes cleanroom work and precision assembly. Be part of nanotech innovation supporting world-class research. Learn more at www.yps-ltd.com.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

We offer fair, competitive rates, with exceptional candidates considered for higher remuneration. Annual reviews reflect performance and progression with opportunity for progression; additional performance-based bonuses may be available

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday with core working hours 9:00am - 5:30pm. We understand the importance of flexibility and are open to discussing potential adjustments to accommodate individual circumstances whenever possible

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

2 years 3 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

You will support a busy production environment with general laboratory preparation and maintenance tasks
Comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided

Responsibilities:

Specialist cleaning of delicate parts using deionised water and ultrasonic baths
Use of light and electron microscopes as part of quality control process
Documenting and recording data relating to products
Working according to procedures and process under guidance from experienced staff
Cutting of metal and wire to specific lengths and standards
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Spot welding of wire using specialist jigs and tooling
Accurate measurement of parts to set tolerances
Adherence to internal company procedures e.g. stock control, work orders
Strong emphasis on clean assembly and preparation
Compliance with company policies e.g. Health & Safety
Use of clean room and adherence to best practice
Regular cleaning of laboratory environment to maintain low dust count
Use of IT tools including Microsoft Access and cloud-based services such as Google Workspace

Desired skills include:

Sample preparation, optical microscopy, SEM operation, ultrasonic cleaning, and precision assembly. Candidates should be familiar with vacuum handling, ESD safety, cleanroom protocols, and tool calibration. Useful inspection skills include use of digital callipers, metrology tools, and surface checks. Competence in Excel (data entry), file management, ERP input, and report writing is also beneficial. Other desirable attributes are manual dexterity, task planning, health & safety awareness, stock handling, and team working.

Where you’ll work

Unit 1C, Harwood Road
Northminster Business Park
Upper Poppleton
York
YO26 6QU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

YORK COLLEGE

Your training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Complete documentation proficiently
Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
Contribute to the preparation of reports.
Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
Complete documentation proficiently
Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
Contribute to the preparation of reports.
Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results

Your training plan

Laboratory Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
You will attend York College on day release throughout your apprenticeship

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

2 other subjects (grade 4 or above)
English (grade 4 or above)
maths (grade 4 or above)
Science (grade 4 or above)

A Level in:

suitable L3 science qualification (grade Pass)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Team working
Initiative

Other requirements

We strive to create a conducive work environment that promotes work-life balance while ensuring that business operations run smoothly during the designated working hours. Physical Demands: As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you may be required to engage in activities that involve lifting and carrying equipment or supplies. Additionally, the role may entail prolonged periods of standing or walking within the laboratory environment. Work Environment: Laboratory Technicians primarily work indoors in a controlled laboratory setting. The role requires maintaining high standards of cleanliness, precision, and safety, particularly when working in cleanroom environments or handling delicate components. Safety Precautions: Working in a laboratory requires strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines. This includes following proper procedures for handling chemicals, utilising personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Collaborative Work: Laboratory Technicians often work as part of a team, collaborating with other scientists, researchers, or technicians. Effective communication and teamwork skills are essential for carrying out experiments, sharing findings, and assisting colleagues. In addition to the entry criteria, YPS would like: • GCSE Science at grade 6 or above • Practical/laboratory experience preferred • Additional STEM-related subjects advantageous. After you submit your application, look out for an email from apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk Check your spam folder, too. You must reply, otherwise your application will be rejected.

About this company

York Probe Sources Ltd (YPS) is a specialist manufacturer established in 1997 and based in York. With a workforce of around 20 staff, we design and produce advanced components for the electron microscopy industry. Our precision products support cutting-edge research and development in sectors such as semiconductors, materials science, and nanotechnology. YPS supplies major instrument manufacturers and world-renowned universities across the globe

https://yps-ltd.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

20 days’ holiday plus all bank holidays, free on-site parking, personalised training and development plans, workwear provided, supportive team environment

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, the candidate may progress into a full-time Laboratory Technician position, with increased responsibilities and access to specialist training in electron-optical assembly
Further opportunities may be available within the organisation, including advancement into research and development (R&D) or quality assurance roles

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

YORK COLLEGE

Apprenticeships

apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk

01904 770368

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000316551.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 30 May 2025

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