Junior Science Apprentice

Summary

NPL apprentices make their mark by getting involved in real projects, whilst developing invaluable skills and experience, delivering ground-breaking impactful science and measurement projects right from the very start of your career. You’ll be learning from industry experts who will blend practical experience with invaluable guidance and theory.

Wage: £20,600 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Metrology technician (level 3)
Hours: Fixed term contract, Monday to Friday. Working hours TBC
36 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 8 September
Duration: 3 years
Positions available: 4

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Attend training sessions and block learning weeks to expand your technical skillset
Work on projects within the assigned Science Group
Contribute to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and project discussions
Be involved in NPL Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Outreach activities

Where you’ll work

National Physical Laboratory

Hampton Road

Teddington

Middlesex

TW11 0LW

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

Your training course

Metrology technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Identify measurement needs and make informed decisions about the measurement process and timescales required, including selection of; tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.
Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process including; data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates and computer-generated information.
Prepare the work environment and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs and determine suitability for use.
Take action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs have been identified.
Plan and perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies.
Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate and record measurement results and data in line with specifications.
Contribute to the production of records, reports and other measurement documentation.
Communicate relevant and specific information through various channels to meet customer requirements.
Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
Comply with relevant Health and Safety legislation, regulation, standards, industry and organisational policies and procedures and requirements relating to safe working practices.
Comply with policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, standards, control and handling of samples, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs.

Your training plan

Junior Science Apprentices employed at NPL study the Level 3 Metrology Technician Apprenticeship over three years.

A wide mix of training is provided for the duration of the apprenticeship, combining the daily tasks in the science groups where the apprentice is based, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. 30 days per year of training at NPL will form the core of the off-the-job training. It is organised into 6 compulsory blocks per year, each of five days duration in Teddington. Further off-the-job training will then be built into your workplace activities. This could include online learning, or tasks set by NPL tutors for completion in the workplace. Our aim is to help you be confident in the workplace from day one; through additional training you will learn how to communicate effectively, how to manage your time, and how to work as part of a team. We want you to develop your self-awareness and your confidence.

More training information

Junior Science Apprentices will support our Senior Scientists with a range of measurement tasks, laboratory duties and scientific research and will undertake a work-based training programme including off the job training and development. Apprentices will have the opportunity to rotate around the different divisions to gain lab-wide experience.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language (grade C / 4 or above)
Mathematics (grade C / 4 or above)
Science (grade C / 4 or above)

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
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Team working

Other requirements

Apprentices must live within a commutable distance to Teddington or willing to relocate (the role is based on site 5 days a week). Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert therefore we may at any time bring the closing date forward, so we encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that nationality, residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. Government funding rules for apprenticeships also have residency requirements and you will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

About this company

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is a world-leading centre for research into measurement science and technology. We sit at the intersection between scientific discovery and real world application. Our research supports innovation in science, industry and medicine. We undertake research and share our expertise with government, business and society to help enhance economic performance and the quality of life. NPL's measurements help to save lives, protect the environment, enable citizens to feel safe and secure, as well as supporting international trade and companies to innovation. Support in areas such as the development of advanced medical treatments and environmental monitoring helps secure a better quality of life for all.

http://www.npl.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

NPL seeks to stretch and grow the talents of all NPL employees, tailoring development to the needs of each individual. To achieve this, we offer a wide range of learning and career development for all employees including apprentices. A significant number of our apprentices have graduated and secured permanent roles with us, and some have gone on to study at university.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000302541.

Apply now

Closes in 28 days (Sunday 23 March)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Submit your CV with a cover letter, explaining what attracts you to the NPL Junior Science Apprenticeship programme by the closing date; Online assessment; Telephone interview with our Talent Acquisition team. If you are selected, you’ll attend an assessment centre, which will be held at our Teddington site in late spring 2025 Programme start date September 2025.

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