Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3, advanced)

About the Apprenticeship

Based within Defence Radiation Protection Services (DRPS) at Alverstoke, you will join a team of scientists and technicians who help monitor radiation exposure and support safety across UK defence programmes. You will work in a unique scientific environment, helping with practical laboratory work that supports people, the environment and national security.

This apprenticeship combines practical, hands-on laboratory experience with academic study at college, providing you with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to build a successful career in science.

Throughout the programme, you will work alongside experienced scientists and technicians. You will learn how laboratories operate, how samples are prepared and tested, and how results are recorded and reported. You will also learn why accuracy, safety and following procedures are so important in a scientific workplace.

What you will learn:

• Work safely in a laboratory and understand how to protect yourself, others and the environment
• Handle, store and dispose of laboratory materials safely
• Follow good laboratory practice and understand why quality checks matter
• Prepare and process samples ready for testing
• Carry out scientific tests and understand what the results mean
• Use, check and look after laboratory equipment
• Record results clearly, look for patterns and report your findings
• Work carefully, accurately and follow step-by-step procedures
• Solve problems and suggest ways to improve how work is done
• Communicate clearly and work well with other people

You will also take part in activities that help you develop confidence and workplace skills, such as team-building sessions, professional skills workshops and opportunities to meet other people starting their careers.

Opportunities after completion

After successfully completing your apprenticeship, you would move into a laboratory technician role within DRPS at Alverstoke, supporting a range of scientific programmes and laboratory activities.

About you:

You do not need previous laboratory experience to apply. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and interested in building a career in science. You should be someone who:

• Has a genuine interest in science and laboratory work
• Is curious and enjoys learning new skills
• Works carefully and pays attention to detail
• Can follow instructions and procedures accurately
• Has good communication and teamwork skills
• Takes a responsible approach to health and safety
• Is organised and willing to learn
• Enjoys practical, hands-on activities

This role may appeal to you if you:

• Enjoy science subjects, particularly chemistry or physics
• Like understanding how things work and why things happen
• Enjoy practical investigations, experiments and hands-on learning
• Are interested in working in a real laboratory environment
• Like solving problems and making sense of results
• Want to learn from experienced scientists and technicians
• Want to start building a long-term career in science

Entry Requirements

Applicants must achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including:

• English Language 4/C or above
• Mathematics 4/C or above
• Science grade 6/B or above (Combined Science or a separate science subject)

Applicants who are studying relevant science qualifications at college are encouraged to apply.

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

Benefits

• A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing to £24,500 in Year 2, with further annual salary increases throughout your apprenticeship, subject to satisfactory performance and achievement of apprenticeship milestones
• Market leading contributory pension scheme
• Generous paid holiday entitlement of 270 hours per year, inclusive of Bank Holidays
• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services

Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism.

Location

Alverstoke, Gosport, Hampshire. Due to the nature of our work and security requirements, you should expect to work on-site during your apprenticeship and in your role after you complete it. Being on-site means you can learn directly from experienced technical specialists, access hands-on support, and build valuable connections across the business.

Start Date

1st September 2027

Apprenticeship Duration

24 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment.

Recruitment Process

This vacancy will close on 8th November 2026, but we review applications as they come in—so we strongly encourage you to apply early.

• Online application: Apply for one apprenticeship; take your time to explore the options and choose the one that best matches your interests and goals.
• Online test: If successful, you will be invited to complete our online assessment stage. These include online testing against numerical, verbal, logical and cognitive reasoning tests. Practice assessments will be available.
• Assessment Centre: Those successful at testing will be invited to an assessment centre at Alverstoke. The Assessment Centres are scheduled for 19th January 2027.

These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
• Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Note: You must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.