Job Description
Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - TARRC
Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3
Employment Type: Apprentice
Location: Hertfordshire
Compensation: £19,000 / year
Location: Brickendonbury, Hertford, United Kingdom, SG13 8NL
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Working for TARRC
TARRC (Tun Abdul Razak Research Centre) is one of the world's leading independent rubber, polymer and elastomer research, testing and consultancy laboratories. Based at the beautiful Brickendonbury Estate in Hertfordshire, TARRC has been supporting businesses around the world since 1938 through innovative research, advanced materials testing and technical expertise.
Working with customers across industries including automotive, aerospace, medical, healthcare, construction and manufacturing, TARRC helps develop and improve high-performance elastomer and polymer products used globally.
As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice in the Materials Characterisation Unit, you'll be based primarily in our specialist microscopy laboratories. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a world-class research environment while completing your Level 3 Apprenticeship.
TARRC has a strong track record of investing in apprentices, with many previous Level 3 apprentices progressing into permanent roles, higher-level qualifications, including degree-level study, and long-term careers within the organisation.
- Starting salary of £19,000 per year
- 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- 35 hours per week -Monday to Friday
- Free Parking
- Pension
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
Key Responsibilities
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join the team to support day-to-day lab operations and provide technical assistance to ensure smooth and efficient workflows.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in laboratory science, offering opportunities to develop a broad range of technical and scientific skills in a supportive environment:
- Preparing samples for testing and analysis.
- Carrying out laboratory tests following standard procedures or customer requirements.
- Helping to check and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Recording test results and keeping laboratory records up to date.
- Assisting with preparing test reports.
- Supporting the team with day-to-day laboratory work.
- Keeping the laboratory clean, tidy and safe.
About You
You're naturally curious and enjoy understanding how things work, not just following instructions. You have an inquisitive mind and enjoy asking questions, investigating problems and finding practical solutions. You're eager to learn and excited to develop your skills in a laboratory environment.
You take pride in getting things right and have excellent attention to detail. You're happy to spend time on tasks that require patience, focus and precision, even when they're repetitive, because you understand that producing accurate, reliable results is important.
You're proactive and take ownership of your learning, making the most of every opportunity to develop. You welcome feedback and are motivated to build your knowledge step by step while working towards becoming a skilled laboratory technician.
You have good IT and literacy skills, allowing you to confidently use computer systems, accurately record laboratory data and produce clear written reports. You're organised, methodical and able to follow processes and standards consistently.
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.
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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.
