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Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
Applications are now open!
Your mission
As a Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you’ll join Defence Radiation Protection Services at Alverstoke and work alongside scientists and technicians who monitor radiation exposure and support safety across UK defence programmes. You’ll contribute to practical laboratory work that supports people, the environment and national security.
This apprenticeship combines hands-on laboratory experience with academic study at college. You’ll learn how laboratories operate, how samples are prepared and tested, and how results are recorded and reported accurately.
THE QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL NEED
Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English Language and Mathematics, with Science at grade 6/B or above. This can be Combined Science or a separate science subject.
Applicants studying relevant science qualifications at college are encouraged to apply.
You must be a British National and aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027 due to the security requirements of the role.
WORK PATTERN
Your primary place of work will be DRPS at Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire.
Due to the nature of the work and security requirements, you should expect to work on-site during your apprenticeship and in your role afterwards. Being on-site will help you learn directly from experienced scientists and technicians, access hands-on support and build valuable connections.
270 hours of annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
SKILLS TO DEMONSTRATE
• Genuine interest in science and laboratory work
• Curiosity and willingness to learn
• Care and attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions and procedures accurately
• Clear communication and teamwork
• Responsible approach to health and safety
• Organisation and reliability
• Enjoyment of practical, hands-on activities
Your journey
You’ll build your technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours over a 24-month apprenticeship, followed by a three-month End Point Assessment. You’ll also take part in team-building sessions, professional skills workshops and opportunities to meet other people starting their careers.
During the programme, you’ll learn how to:
- Work safely in a laboratory and protect yourself, others and the environment
- Handle, store and dispose of laboratory materials safely
- Prepare and process samples ready for testing
- Carry out scientific tests and understand the results
- Use, check and look after laboratory equipment
- Record results clearly, identify patterns and report findings
- Follow good laboratory practice and understand quality checks
- Solve problems and suggest improvements
Think you’ve got what it takes?
You enjoy science, particularly chemistry or physics, and like understanding how things work and why things happen. You’re interested in practical investigations, experiments and hands-on learning in a real laboratory environment.
You work carefully, can follow step-by-step procedures and enjoy making sense of results. You’re ready to learn from experienced scientists and technicians and begin building a long-term career in science.
Want to find out more?
