Laboratory Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Heidelberg Materials UK

Location: The Ridge, Bristol, BS37 6AY

Salary: £21,352.55

Working for Heidelberg Materials UK

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK.

We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement.

At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for an Apprentice Product Development Technician (Level 3) to join our expert team at the Heidelberg Materials UK Chipping Sodbury National Laboratory. In this role, you'll play a vital part in the testing, development, and innovation of materials that support the UK's road and infrastructure network. Working closely with experienced professionals, you'll help ensure our products meet exacting performance and sustainability standards through hands-on laboratory testing, analysis, and reporting.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career in materials science and product development, giving you the chance to gain practical experience in a UKAS-accredited environment while contributing to cutting-edge research projects. You'll develop a broad range of technical and professional skills from laboratory testing and data analysis to problem-solving and technical reporting all within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that champions innovation, sustainability, and personal growth.

Summary of duties

• Create and test new Asphalt materials to meet performance specifications
• Conduct over 40 accredited tests in line with industry standards
• Investigate material complaints and produce detailed technical reports
• Manage your own projects and provide support across the technical team
• Participate in research and development of innovative products

What could the future look like?

When you join Heidelberg Materials UK, the possibilities for your success are limitless.

Starting your journey in the Asphalt Product Development Laboratory as an apprentice, you'll be part of the team responsible for designing all UK asphalt materials, ensuring their ongoing performance, and driving research and innovation in new technologies that shape the future of our products.

You'll gain hands-on experience in a well-established construction materials testing laboratory, working closely with a small team of technical experts and supporting activities such as product development and complaint investigations.

As your skills grow, so will your opportunities you could progress into senior supervisory or laboratory management roles, move into an Area Technical Manager position, join our National Laboratory for quality control, or even transition into production at plant level, helping to manufacture the very products you helped to develop.

About You

We are looking for an apprentice who is curious motivated, and ready to take on challenges in a laboratory environment. You should bring enthusiasm and a genuine interest in materials science, engineering, or product development, with a proactive approach to learning new techniques and technologies.

What We are Looking For

• Great attention to detail
• Methodical mindset
• Good communicator
• Team player
• Reliable
• Committed
• Eager to learn, grow, and make a meaningful contribution to the future of sustainable construction materials.

Experience

We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience.

You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you're enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you'll fit right in.

What You Will Be Doing

It's about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven