Description
Location:North Orbital Road, St Albans, AL2 2ET
Working for VolkerFitzpatrick
VolkerFitzpatrick is one of the leading engineering and construction companies in the UK. We provide specialist multi-disciplinary engineering solutions to a wide range of markets to deliver a truly integrated service for our clients. We are proud to say our history dates back over 100 years, employ almost 1,000 people and currently turn over more than £600m per year, ensuring we are able to meet the growing demands of today’s construction industry.
Our specialist capabilities are the heart of our business; as a supply chain partner we work nationally to solve complex challenges in all kinds of diverse environments. Our proven expertise in delivering successful projects in a wide range of sectors include rail and depots, buildings, highways, airports, energy and defence. We are looking for at least one person to join our materials testing team as a Level 3 Materials Testing Technician Apprentice.
The Package
- Starting salary of £20,000 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage if aged 21+ after 12 months)
- 25 days of annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping & restaurant vouchers, rewards and discounts
- Training and development opportunities
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental, physical and financial support
- 24/7 virtual GP service
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
VolkerFitzpatrick is pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualification through our Level 3 Materials Testing Technician Apprenticeship.
Within this role, you will develop an understanding and knowledge of the implementation of various methods to examine construction materials. Through training and development provided, you will work towards excellence in the following areas:
- Carrying out sampling and testing of construction materials, soils, aggregates and concrete in line with standards and customer specification.
- Carrying out a point of work risk assessment.
- Checking that equipment to be used is in calibration and if broken or damaged this is reported to the line manager immediately.
- Entering and completing on appropriate sheets all records, readings and results that arise from the procedure being carried out.
- Communicating clear instructions to site teams based on a thorough understanding of client specification and expectations.
- Provide clear and concise data to demonstrate compliance.
- Carrying out testing using equipment checked for calibration to demonstrate compliance.
What could the future look like?
When you join VolkerFitzpatrick, 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.
Through practical training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.
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) Applied Materials Science Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Rest assured, your hard work and determination will not go unnoticed!
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
This is a very hands on and practical role so you should be willing to get stuck in.
We're looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You'll be able to use your good attention to detail to identify problems and record observations. The ability to think on your feet is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role!
You will have good health and safety awareness, and be able to work towards strict health and safety guidelines.
Every day will be different, and you'll have the opportunity to work closely with the team to succeed. You'll need to be a good communicator to speak up and work together.
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. We’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at VolkerFitzpatrick.
Qualifications
In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!
Please note due to the nature of the role, candidates must be aged 18+.
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 VolkerFitzpatrick 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!
Want to know more. Check out the apprenticeship standards
here.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.
You’ll need to be over 18, 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.
