Department: Science Apprenticeship - Asbestos L3
Employment Type: Apprentice
Location: Cambridge
Compensation: £21,500 / year
Location: Hollow Farm, Hilton Rd, Fenstanton, Huntingdon PE28 9LJ
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Thames Laboratories, established in 1991, is a leading accredited asbestos consultancy with office locations in London, Cambridgeshire, and Stoke-on-Trent. We offer trusted asbestos solutions nationally, holding UKAS accreditation since inception. We provide a full range of asbestos consultancy services to clients in the public and private sectors, delivering outstanding and high-quality service.
As a trainee laboratory technician, you will play a crucial role in identifying the presence of asbestos in samples by following established procedures and protocols. We are looking for someone who has good attention to detail and has an ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a team.
This role is ideal for individuals seeking to start their career in laboratory science with a focus on asbestos analysis, offering a blend of practical experience and structured learning.
You’re someone who enjoys focused, detailed work and takes pride in accuracy. You like understanding exactly what you’re looking at and why it matters, rather than just following steps. Whether you’ve explored science before or are just starting out, you’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a career in a laboratory environment where precision and consistency are essential.
You’re most comfortable in a structured setting, you like clear procedures, predictable routines, and knowing what good looks like. Working with microscopes, analysing samples, and carefully identifying and recording results feels satisfying rather than repetitive. You’re patient, methodical, and able to concentrate for long periods on detailed tasks because you understand that accuracy and consistency are critical to producing reliable outcomes.
You approach your work with a calm, disciplined mindset and take responsibility for following procedures and maintaining high standards. You’re confident working independently for extended periods, while also understanding the importance of quality checks and clear documentation. You’re motivated by producing precise, defensible results and are keen to build your skills over time, becoming a trusted specialist in a highly controlled laboratory environment.
Please note: Due to the remote location of the role access to your own car or motor vehicle is required.
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
✔️ Be 16 or over
✔️ Not be in full-time education
✔️ Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
✔️ Have the right to work in the UK
Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further.
Start your career as an asbestos laboratory technician and gain hands-on experience supporting vital testing and analysis in a professional laboratory environment.
As part of this Level 3 Asbestos Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out bulk asbestos analysis, apply recognised analytical techniques, and contribute to producing accurate, compliant, and legally defensible results.
Over 12 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.
You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.
What your training will look like:You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.
As part of your training, you’ll also work towards the RSPH Level 3 Award in Asbestos Bulk Analysis, a recognised qualification within the asbestos industry.
What could your future look like?
This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as an Asbestos Bulk Analyst and progress within the industry.
Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.
We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.
Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.
Tiro’s proud to be playing our part in making that happen, and we can’t wait to find out what happens next…
