Laboratory Materials Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

About the role

This Level 3 apprenticeship with Special Melted Products Ltd offers hands‑on experience across chemistry, mechanical testing and metallography. You will develop technical skills, progress through regular pay increases and have the chance to specialise in an area that matches both your interests and the business needs.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare metal samples and carry out heat treatment according to specifications.
• Perform a range of metallurgical tests including tensile, hardness, impact, creep, stress rupture, grain size, OES, XRF, Leco, AA, macro‑ and micro‑structure evaluations.
• Ensure testing equipment and furnaces are calibrated and maintained before use.
• Record and evaluate results against relevant standards and specifications.
• Maintain a safe, efficient laboratory environment and contribute to safety initiatives.
• Assist in improving procedures, equipment and methods to increase laboratory efficiency.

Required profile

• Curious about how materials behave and a genuine interest in science or engineering.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and consistency.
• Comfortable following standardised test methods, preparing samples and analysing data.
• Responsible approach to health & safety, quality standards and laboratory procedures.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors and engineers.

Required skills

• Tensile testing
• Hardness testing
• Impact testing
• Creep and stress‑rupture testing
• Grain size analysis
• Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES)
• X‑ray fluorescence (XRF)
• Leco analysis
• Atomic Absorption (AA)
• Macro‑ and micro‑structure evaluation
• Heat treatment procedures
• Equipment calibration and maintenance

What we offer

• Starting salary £8.08 per hour with pay increases every 5 months.
• 40‑hour work week, Monday‑Friday 8:00‑16:00.
• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Private healthcare and full sick pay after one year.
• Regular training, CPD opportunities and a clear pathway to a long‑term career.