Laboratory Management Apprenticeship (Level 5) - BST Supplies
Department: Science Apprenticeship - Manager L5
Employment Type: Apprentice
Location: West Midlands
Compensation: £29,000 / year
Description
Location: B.S.T. Supplies & Co, Zenith, Fordhouse Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9FB
Working for BST Supplies
Based in Wolverhampton, UK, BST specialises in the manufacture of bespoke components, all produced on-site to ensure quality and consistency. Our in-house capabilities include hot forging, heat treatment, mechanical and NDT testing, CNC machining, and PTFE plating, supporting the production of a wide range of threaded and non-threaded components.
The Package- Starting salary of £29,000/year
- Mon-Thurs 8.00-4.30 and Friday 8.00-4.00pm
- 39.5 hours per week
- Overtime available
- Company pension scheme
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Laboratory Manager Level 5 Apprentice to join the team and support the effective operation of laboratory and materials testing activities. In this role, you will contribute to maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory processes while supporting quality assurance and testing activities across the organisation.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in laboratory leadership and quality management, giving you the opportunity to develop technical, operational, and problem-solving skills within a supportive environment focused on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Summary of duties:- Carry out materials testing, including tensile and impact testing, on production materials where required.
- Ensure all testing activities follow company quality procedures and relevant ASTM and BS standards.
- Make sure all materials used for testing are correctly identified and fully traceable using batch or BST reference numbers.
- Read and interpret technical specifications and accurately record test results in line with customer and international material standards.
- Conduct mechanical, physical, and visual inspections of raw materials and components to confirm they meet required specifications.
- Prepare materials and components for metallurgical examination where required.
- Ensure laboratory testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and safe to use.
- Record testing information using company systems and produce reports, including logging non-conformances (NCRs).
- Work with colleagues across departments to resolve testing queries and confirm materials meet product requirements.
- Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and housekeeping within the laboratory and testing areas.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
About You
Are you a laboratory technician ready to take the next big step in your career? Do you have the curiosity to dig deeper, the confidence to lead, and the drive to make a real impact? If you’ve got hands-on experience in materials testing or working with materials, this could be the role for you.
Our Level 5 Laboratory Manager apprenticeship is designed for ambitious professionals who are ready to move beyond the bench and into leadership. It’s not just about running tests, it’s about leading teams, improving processes, ensuring quality, and shaping the future of your laboratory.
You’ll build on your technical expertise while developing the skills to manage people, projects, and performance. Whether you’re ensuring compliance, driving innovation, or mentoring others, you’ll become the kind of leader every lab needs. So, if you’re ready to step up and stand out, this is your next challenge.
Experience
You might currently be working as a laboratory technician, senior technician, scientist, or team leader, and are looking to progress into a role with greater responsibility. This programme is ideal for those who want to build their leadership skills, strengthen their understanding of laboratory operations and compliance, and move towards managing teams, processes, and laboratory performance.
If you’re motivated to grow, eager to improve how laboratories operate, and ready to develop the skills needed to lead others in a scientific environment, this apprenticeship will provide the platform to take that next step.
Entry Requirements- At least 2 years of experience working in a technical laboratory environment is required.
- Level 3 qualification in a science-related subject would be beneficial.
We recognise that everyone’s journey into science and laboratory leadership is different. If you’re passionate about progressing your career in laboratory management but aren’t sure whether you meet all of the requirements yet, we’d still encourage you to apply. Let us know you’re interested and we can discuss your individual circumstances and potential pathways with you.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Start your career as a laboratory manager and gain hands-on experience leading scientific work in a modern laboratory environment.
As part of this Level 5 Laboratory Management apprenticeship, you’ll develop the skills to manage laboratory operations, lead teams, and ensure work is delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory standards.
👉 Learn more about the programme
here.
Over the course of the programme, you’ll combine your day-to-day 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.
In the final stage of the programme, you’ll focus on preparing for your End Point Assessment, ensuring you’re ready to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and behaviours in a real-world context.
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 progress into laboratory leadership and management roles.
Through practical, on-the-job training, you’ll develop the confidence to lead teams, manage risk and compliance, and oversee laboratory operations in complex and regulated environments. You’ll gain experience in improving processes, managing resources, and driving performance across laboratory functions. This programme can also support professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Scientist (RSci) or Chartered Scientist (CSci).
You’ll build capabilities that are in demand across a wide range of scientific and technical sectors, opening up opportunities to progress into senior laboratory and operational leadership roles.
If you choose to continue your development, this apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for further professional and academic progression within scientific and technical management.
Eligibility
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.
As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.
If you already hold a Level 5, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway. You’ll need to be over 16, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK. If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested
here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
