QC Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Sika
Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3
Employment Type: Apprentice
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Compensation: £28,860 / year
Description
Location: Site C, Watchmead, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL7 1BQ
Working for Sika
Sika is a global leader in speciality chemicals, driving innovation and performance across the construction and industrial manufacturing industries. Since its founding in 1910, Sika has built a reputation as a trusted partner for delivering high-quality solutions that enhance durability, safety, and sustainability in the built environment.
With a strong heritage of expertise and continuous innovation, Sika provides a comprehensive portfolio of products and systems – from roofing, flooring, sealing and bonding, to concrete admixtures and waterproofing. Our robust research and development, combined with rigorous testing and technical support, ensures that Sika solutions meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
By working closely with clients, contractors, and stakeholders, Sika helps create sustainable value throughout the construction supply chain in the UK and global marketplaces.
Find out more about Sika
here. The Package- Starting salary: £28,860 per year
- Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours per week
- 6:00am - 2:00pm (with flexibility to cover later shifts where required)
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
- Company pension
Key Responsibilities
Sitting within the R&D function, the UK Quality team contributes to ensuring the quality of Sika products; maintaining the standards and certifications that we have worked hard to achieve. In the UK, Sika have factories in Welwyn Garden City, Preston, Leeds, and Wishaw.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a team leading the way within Sika, with goals of striving towards Quality 4.0. The Quality Control Apprentice will be expected to support day-to-day QC activities in the early shift for ensuring the raw materials used and products produced meet the exacting standards that we and our customers expect.
At Welwyn Garden City, Sika manufacture and develop a range of quality, concrete admixtures and cementitious mortars that are suitable for a wide range of applications within the construction industry.
Summary of duties:- You’ll carry out daily QC inspections on products, materials and in-process samples, use internal ERP/complaints systems effectively, and share clear updates with relevant departments.
- You’ll learn and perform all QC and in-process test methods, complete accurate batch testing, calibrate equipment regularly, and ensure all data entered is correct and consistent.
- You’ll help refine QA processes by updating test procedures, reviewing specifications, supporting equipment decisions, maintaining stock of consumables, and keeping the lab clean and organised.
- You’ll provide cover during holidays, absences, or increased workloads by coordinating with other technicians to ensure continuous support for production.
- You’ll take part in ongoing training and development to build your technical skills, confidence, and understanding of QA practices.
- You will actively engage in personal development, attending relevant training and working towards building your technical expertise, accuracy and overall capability within the QA environment.
About You
You’re naturally curious about how materials behave and enjoy understanding why they perform the way they do, not just following instructions. You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail, and producing accurate, reliable results. Whether you’ve explored science before or are just starting out, you’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a long-term career in a materials testing laboratory.
You’re someone who thrives in a structured setting. You like clarity, routine, and knowing what good looks like. Following standardised test methods, working with laboratory equipment, and carefully preparing samples and recording data feels satisfying rather than restrictive. You’re patient, focused, and comfortable repeating precise tasks because you understand that consistency and accuracy are essential for high-quality results.
You take safety, quality standards, and laboratory procedures seriously, and you approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re just as comfortable working independently as you are communicating clearly with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers. You’re motivated by analysing results, understanding why materials pass or fail, and progressing over time, building your skills step by step and becoming a trusted expert in materials testing.
Please note: You must be 18+ due to the nature of the working environment
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
✔️
Be 16 or over✔️
Not be in full-time education✔️
Havelived 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 materials technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.
As part of this Level 3 Materials 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 materials 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 Materials or Chemistry.
