Laboratory Technician Chemistry Degree Apprentice (Level 6) - BYK Additives Ltd

BYK ADDITIVES LIMITED

Widnes, WA8 3AA

Closes in 11 days (Tuesday 24 December)

Posted on 11 December 2024

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Summary

BYK can offer a diverse range of assignments promoting potential personal development. Our individualised qualification and further training opportunities help you advance faster. The solidity of our company as a growing global player offers you the best conditions for the reliable planning of the future.

Annual wage
£17,360 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if aged 18+.

Training course
Laboratory scientist (degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm

38 hours a week

Possible start date

Thursday 2 January

Duration

4 years

Positions available

1

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

The successful apprentice will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Typical work activities include:

  • Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
  • Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations and production processes.
  • Carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
  • Prepare samples.
  • Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example viscometers, conductivity and pH meters.
  • Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
  • Maintain good accurate written records of work carried out.
  • Record and interpret results to present to senior colleagues.
  • Use computers and perform mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs.
  • Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
  • Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
  • Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research.
  • Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology required for the sector & job role.

From day one you will be working with industry experts helping you to develop world class skills. You will work in an energised and supportive environment with a personal mentor and earn a competitive salary.

Where you’ll work

Moorfield Road

Widnes

WA8 3AA

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

TIRO TRAINING LTD

Your training course

Laboratory scientist (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents
  • Identify and use the scientific approaches appropriate to one specialist discipline required to solve problems, support new investigations and follow-up experiments in the laboratory.
  • Appraise scientific experimentation, independently design and implement new processes according to relevant literature and other data sources interrogated using data mining techniques and input from colleagues.
  • Support appraisal of scientific experimentation with numerical and statistical analysis.
  • Work autonomously to analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific data and present the results of laboratory work and problem solving clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
  • Comply with regulations including compliance with business rules pertaining to record keeping, data integrity, traceability & confidentiality.
  • Promote and ensure the application of quality standards, safe working practices and compliance with risk management systems relevant to the workplace in own work and the work of others.
  • Use creative thinking and problem solving techniques such as root cause analysis, to challenge assumptions, innovate, make new proposals and build on existing ideas.
  • Autonomously plan and prioritise tasks, review and evaluate progress against objectives and investigate alternative scenarios.
  • Contribute to the development of specific technical projects across multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ensure that targets are met and maintained, within own area of responsibility, whilst complying with defined company procedures and legislative requirements.
  • Lead continuous performance improvement within the scientific and technical environment using process mapping & analysis and root cause analysis that is informed by other appropriate principles, such as lean, six sigma, project and change management.

Your training plan

Over 48 months, you will develop your knowledge and skills in your chosen field to become a leader pushing development, knowledge generation and innovation.  

You will be provided with 6 hours per week by your employer to conduct learning and training during working hours. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. 

You’ll be trained by a team of expert tutors from Tiro as well as an experienced workplace mentor at BYK who, together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.  

At the end of your apprenticeship, you will have qualified with a Level 6 Apprenticeship as a Laboratory Scientist. Once you’ve qualified, you’ll also be eligible to join the Register of Science Technicians (RSciTech) through an appropriate industry body. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

  • English (grade C/4)
  • Maths (grade C/4)

A Level or equivalent in:

  • Chemistry or science subject (grade C/4)

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
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

There are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet to do a degree apprenticeship with Tiro. You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education (at time of enrolment), have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK. Alongside this you will need to have a minimum of Level 3 qualifications (A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent) AND relevant work experience. We are open to wildcards though. If you feel you have the right qualifications, but limited lab experience, still apply!

About this company

BYK Additives Limited is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives. Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as rheology, scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives. The coatings, inks and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK additives. BYK additives improve final product characteristics and production processes in other fields such as the oil & gas industry and manufacture of personal care, adhesive, sealant and construction products. The site, at Moorfield Road, Widnes, has been the home of inorganic chemical manufacture, since 1923 and currently employs approximately 100 people. Today BYK is the biggest division within the ALTANA Group (www.altana.com) and employs around 2,200 people worldwide.

https://www.byk.com/en (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 25 days annual plus bank holidays • Flexible working hours once settled into the role • Annual pay rises • Pension • Regular training and CPD opportunities

After this apprenticeship

This apprenticeship offers an exceptional platform for you to enhance your leadership skills and take on more significant responsibilities. As you progress, you'll find avenues to further develop your leadership acumen, fostering your ability to guide and inspire teams. Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior technician and management roles. 

Furthermore, an exciting prospect within this role lies in the potential transition to the Research & Development department. This department specialises in conducting tailored in-house testing, presenting you with a unique chance to immerse yourself in cutting-edge processes and innovation. 
Laboratory Scientist - £33,265.89 per year 
 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TIRO TRAINING LTD

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000289990.

Apply now

Closes in 11 days (Tuesday 24 December)

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

Once you have applied, a member of the resourcing team will review your application. If you are successful, we will be in touch by telephone or email to explain the next steps in the application process. Degree Apprenticeship to start Feb 2024, however Employer is willing to start successful applicant earlier to bring them in line with knowledge and skills to complete a Degree Apprenticeship.