Laboratory technicians work in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, water, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services. A laboratory technician may carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation. In any context working safety and ethically is paramount and many companies operate under highly regulated conditions because of the need to control the quality and safety of products.
Thames Water are offering a great opportunity for anybody looking to start a career in the Water Industry. It's a chance to work towards a degree while gaining practical experience in an analytical laboratory, earning while you learn.
Vacancy Type:
Apprentice
Business Area:
Laboratory Technician
Location:
Reading
Intake Year:
2017
Region:
Reading
What's on offer?
We are passionate about providing a quality service to our customers. Joining our laboratory team you'll undergo a formal higher apprenticeship in chemistry through workplace learning. You'll work towards becoming a Laboratory Analyst at the end of the programme, where we'll continue to grow and develop you into our next generation of leaders. In your first two years you'll do a lower apprenticeship (Lab Technician) and study for an HNC either by distance learning or day release. Once completed there are further opportunities to move onto the day release degree programme (Lab Scientist) for an additional two to three years.
What makes this role unique?
Continuously striving for excellence, we are giving you the chance to join a leading water organisation who supply an essential service to our 9 million drinking water customers and 14 million wastewater customers. We carry out over 2 million tests a year, through our labs in Reading. This essential service continues to be, challenged by population growth, climate change and new legislation. We want to grow and develop our apprentices into our next generation of leaders, giving you a clear career path and commitment to your profession as a Water Industry Scientist.
What will this role involve?
We have two apprenticeship vacancies based in our labs in Reading, Berkshire. You'll get hands-on experience in the preparation and analysis of samples, for the determination of chemical parameters. You'll be using the latest technology in the field of analytical chemistry, including; Perkin Elmer NexION ICP-MS, Thermo ICAP ICP-OES, Agilent LC-MS-MS and Agilent GC-MSD. You'll develop a good understanding of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency & UKAS requirements. Ensuring that the service is delivered to time, cost and quality standards, whilst providing excellent customer service to everyone involved. You'll maintain and monitor method performance and system suitability and conduct trend analysis to identify and proactively address issues, minimising repeat analysis. The learning curve will be challenging and you'll be given the opportunity to develop and grow throughout the apprenticeship.
What are we looking for?
To join us on our apprenticeship programme you'll need at least 5 GCSE's Grade A* - C (Or equivalent) plus a minimum of 72 UCAS points (3 D's at A level) and these will need to include a minimum of a grade D in A-level chemistry.
While qualifications are important, it's also essential you have a passion for analytical chemistry and the drive and motivation to manage your learning and working life. You'll need to be incredibly well organised, have excellent time management skills and the determination to succeed. You'll have great team working skills but also be able to work independently, putting customers at the heart of everything you do. You'll be a champion for Health & Safety within the work place for both you and your colleagues, helping us maintain our great reputation.
Thames Water information and salary details
This role is based in our labs in Reading and the starting salary will be £16,800 with studies funded by Thames Water. Visit the Thames Water website to apply. You can also learn more about apprenticeships at Greenwich University via our website.
