About Holcim UK
Holcim is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation committed to delivering exceptional value to our customers. As part of our dedication to developing the next generation of talent, we are excited to offer an opportunity to join our team as a Technical Apprentice.
We are at the heart of construction, committed to building progress and transforming the industry to deliver a more sustainable future for all. We are recognised as one of the safest, most customer-focused companies in this space and we are looking for you to be part of our movement to grow, innovate and develop together to create continuous value.
New Opening: Laboratory Material Science Advanced Apprenticeship
As an Construction Materials Technician apprentice you'll be working in a laboratory but not as you know it! Be prepared to get mucky as you get to know your materials. This won't be a sterile environment and requires someone who's not afraid to get stuck in.
Working alongside some of our existing apprentices and fellow peers, you won't be alone. You'll be supported and guided, learning on the job as you go, by a team of other apprentices and experienced materials technicians. Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you'll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.
As a member of Holcim UK's laboratory team, you'll push construction materials to their limits ensuring that they're safe and reliable to use. These materials will need to exist for many years to come without expensive maintenance, without damaging the structure and without endangering human life.
No two days are ever the same with Holcim. You'll not only spend time between testing on site and testing in the lab, but you'll also visit and work at several locations nearby – a great opportunity to meet others to aid professional progression and skill sharing.
Apprenticeship Overview:
Engage in a structured training program giving you the ability to obtain knowledge, skills, and training with the potential of progression in the material science field (paid for by us!)
Work alongside experienced professionals to gain practical skills in a science Laboratory environment where you will be supported in your journey to learn on the job
Support the existing team with value added ideas to grow sales
Learn about and contribute to our sustainability initiatives, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing efficiency.
Key Highlights of the Role
Over the period of training as an apprentice you undertake the following duties:
Working alongside other team members, testing the properties of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and asphalt.
Improving the performance of existing products, to eliminate faults with materials already in use
Helping bring materials testing in the 21st century using new technologies (e.g. Switching over to automated processes, new ergonomic equipment or even new recording and reporting systems.)
Initially, shadowing and supporting the Sales Manager alongside other key stakeholders with customer facing activities to get a full understanding of the business and its operations
Following testing methods to ensure safety and quality and to support the lab in maintaining its accreditation to operate.
Travelling to and from sites, collecting materials to be tested
What role will I have?
Ensure all work is undertaken safely in accordance with required processes.
Undertake testing of materials including aggregates, concrete, and asphalt in accordance with required standards, in the laboratory and on construction sites.
Comply with the high standards of work required by the Quality Management Systems to required deadlines.
Maintain equipment to required standards as required by the Laboratory Manager.
Proactively communicate with senior staff to ensure effective communication.
Proactively communicate with senior staff to ensure effective communication.
Attend training courses and assessments as required by the apprenticeship standard and maintaining training records.
Proactively communicate with senior staff to ensure effective communication.
How will the apprenticeship program work?
Having a structured training program will support your development in ensuring you learn the business and has benefits for both.
1st/2nd Year - You will be undertaking either a Level 3 Material Science Technician Apprenticeship, once completed you would be a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) (Approx. 21 months)
3rd/4th Year - Undertake in house DAATA and CAATA qualifications to get more specific knowledge of our sector or accredited higher level qualifications as a Laboratory Technician
5th Year - You have the opportunity to progress with additional qualifications working up to a degree within the Mineral sector (optional)
Who are we seeking?
Passion for Science, Construction and/or Materials : You will have an interest for this sector
Problem-Solving Skills: ability in find solutions to problems in your approach
Excellent Communication: You work well with others, communicating seamlessly across teams to align strategies and keep things moving forward smoothly.
Ambition: Motivated to achieve personal and professional growth within a structured apprenticeship program.
Team Player: Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong working relationships.
Benefits
Competitive starting salary of £18,500, plus yearly increments whilst going through the training program, 25 days holiday + your local bank holidays (with options to increase) and other benefits - all recognising the contribution you bring
Career progression and growth, being part of Holcim, who have a 60,000 worldwide workforce means there are continuous opportunities to train and develop
️ Be valued and supported, working as part of a highly respected team in a business that has a huge focus on Health & Safety
Fully Funded Qualifications, earn qualification up to a degree at no cost to you
Mentorship: Dedicated support from experienced professionals to guide your career development.
Free 24/7 remote GP service for you and your household, offering medical advice, prescriptions, referrals, and same-day appointments.
Staff discounts including special rates for garden landscaping products
