Job Description

Cosmetics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Enkos

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Surrey

Compensation: £9.00 / hour

Description

Location: Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7RD

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Enkos Developments is a specialist cosmetic formulation company, helping bring creative ideas to life through science and innovation. Its highly skilled team combines technical expertise with the latest trends and technologies in the beauty and personal care industry, developing a wide range of skincare and haircare products. With over 80 awards won for its formulations and counting, Enkos takes pride in creating innovative, high-quality products that stand out.

As an apprentice, you'll be supporting the day-to-day running of the lab while gaining hands-on experience in a cosmetic science environment. You'll help prepare and label samples, carry out basic laboratory measurements, maintain equipment and support the wider team. As your skills and confidence develop, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the product development process and build a long-term career within the business.

🔗 About Company

• Starting salary: £9.00 per hour
• Annual leave: 25 days + bank holidays (3 days to be taken during the Christmas and New Year office closure)
• Working hours: 40 hours per week
• Regular training and development opportunities
• Private medical insurance
• Gym membership contribution
• Life assurance
• Critical illness cover
• Income protection

Key Responsibilities

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in cosmetic science, offering opportunities to develop practical laboratory skills and gradually build your knowledge of cosmetic formulation:

• Support the research and development teams with day-to-day laboratory activities.
• Measure and record the pH, viscosity and specific gravity of laboratory batches and samples.
• Prepare, fill and label laboratory samples according to instructions.
• Start learning the basics of making lab batches, by supporting chemists with simple formulation trials such as mixing single phase oil or aqueous systems, and trialling fragrances at differing levels in existing formulation bases.
• Learn how to calibrate pH meters and prepare laboratory solutions, including pH adjusters and ethanol solutions.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and organised laboratory, including cleaning equipment and glassware.
• Monitor laboratory consumables and ingredient samples, helping to maintain accurate stock records.
• Assist with identifying expired raw material samples and organising them for appropriate chemical waste disposal.
• Keep accurate laboratory notes and follow relevant safety procedures.
• Work closely with the Lab Manager, Lab Supervisor and wider team to support efficient laboratory operations.

About You

You're naturally curious and enjoy science, particularly understanding how products are made and tested. You have a keen eye for detail, take pride in producing accurate work and understand the importance of following instructions carefully. You don't need previous experience in cosmetic formulation, just a genuine interest in developing your laboratory skills.

You're organised, reliable and proactive, with a positive attitude towards practical work. You enjoy keeping your workspace tidy, making sure equipment and materials are ready when needed and taking the initiative to keep things running smoothly. You're comfortable carrying out routine tasks, maintaining accurate records and following safety procedures.

You enjoy working as part of a team and are always willing to support colleagues wherever needed. You communicate openly, take responsibility for your own work and are happy to ask questions when you're unsure. Most importantly, you're enthusiastic about learning from experienced colleagues and building a long-term career in cosmetic science.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

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.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Start your career as a laboratory technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real scientific work in a professional laboratory or technical environment.

As part of this Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site-based environment.

👉 Learn more about the programme here.

Over 20 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.

What could your future look like?

This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a laboratory technician 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.

If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Biology, Materials, or Chemistry.