Description
Location:Croft House, South St, Keighley BD21 1EG
Working for Keighley Laboratories Ltd
Keighley Laboratories has been at the forefront of metallurgical testing, heat treatment, and chemical analysis for over a century. Based in West Yorkshire, we provide critical materials testing and technical services to industries including aerospace, automotive, and construction. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and expert team ensure precision, reliability, and innovation in everything we do.
As a company committed to growth and excellence, we invest in developing future talent. Joining us as aChemical Analyst Apprenticemeans becoming part of a respected team where you’ll gain hands-on experience, work with cutting-edge technology, and build a rewarding career in materials science.
The Package
- Starting salary of £14,624.35 - £23,650 per year (dependent on age)
- 37.25 hours per week
- 8:00am – 4:30pm (Monday – Thursday) & 8:00am – 3:00pm (Friday)
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Free on-site parking
- Pension scheme
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
As a Chemical Analyst Apprentice at Keighley Laboratories, you will play a vital role in supporting our expert team in the analysis of metallic materials.
This hands-on apprenticeship will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to perform precise chemical testing, ensuring the highest standards of quality and reliability for our clients across industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. Working in our state-of-the-art laboratory, you will develop a strong foundation in analytical techniques while gaining valuable industry experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in the preparation and analysis of metallic and non-metallic materials using industry-standard chemical testing techniques.
- Conduct tests such as titrations, spectrometry, and other analytical methods to assess material composition and properties.
- Support senior analysts in maintaining accurate records and reporting test results in compliance with industry standards.
- Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated, maintained, and used correctly to uphold safety and quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with the wider laboratory team to provide reliable data for customers across aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.
- Follow health, safety, and environmental guidelines to ensure a safe working environment.
- Undertake training and development activities to build technical knowledge and practical skills in chemical analysis.
This apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in laboratory-based chemical analysis while working within a company renowned for its technical excellence and innovation.
What does the future hold?
When you join Keighley Laboratories Ltd, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.
This apprenticeship program also serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).
This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About you
You are a detail-oriented individual with strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to work effectively within a team and contribute to high-quality laboratory analysis. Your ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment ensures that you maintain accuracy and attention to detail when performing chemical tests, recording data, and following analytical procedures.
With a solid grasp of basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office, you are confident in accurately documenting and managing test results. Your excellent organisational, planning, and time-management skills allow you to follow structured test methods, perform precise calculations, and report findings clearly.
A keen interest in science, particularly in laboratory work and chemical analysis, drives your curiosity and motivation to develop technical expertise. Your enthusiasm for learning and commitment to maintaining high standards make you a strong fit for this apprenticeship opportunity.
Qualifications
We believe passion and determination matter more than specific qualifications. While a strong foundation in science—such as A-Levels or BTECs in Chemistry, Biology, or a related field—is advantageous, what truly sets successful apprentices apart is their drive to learn, adaptability, and ability to engage with new challenges.
If you are eager to gain hands-on experience in a laboratory environment, can reflect on your learning, and are excited to contribute to our work in chemical analysis, we encourage you to apply.
Experience
While previous experience in a laboratory setting is beneficial, we value enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn above all. Whether you have experience from academic studies, hands-on practical work, or personal projects, we are looking for someone eager to develop their skills and grow within our team. If you are curious, proactive, and motivated to understand materials testing and chemical analysis, you will thrive in this role.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board.
Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Keighley Laboratories who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!
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 3, 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
hereand we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.
Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.
