Description
Location:Brinell Drive, Nordbank Industrial Estate, Irlam, Salford, Greater Manchester, M44 5LF
Working for Libra Speciality Chemicals
For over 50 years Libra has been setting the standards in the provision of high-quality products and services to the chemical industry. Over the last 10 years Libra has implemented a major capital investment programme to build new production plant, laboratories, and offices to meet the growing demands of both our customers and legislation. Libra’s success has been recognised both locally and nationally over recent years, cumulating with awards for both Innovation and Manufacturing Resource efficiency from the Chemical Industries Association in 2022. Our formula for success has been and will continue to be total customer satisfaction; it is the driving force behind everything we do.
The Package
- Starting salary of £15,704 per year (Increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months)
- 40 hours per week
- Rotating shift pattern 6:00am – 2:00pm & 2:00pm – 10:00pm
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
The Material Testing Technician role will primarily involve assisting the Quality Control team with routine and non-routine QC analysis. Due to the nature of the speciality chemical/ contract manufacturing industry, the analysis can be wide and varied. Common analysis carried out includes colorimetric and potentiometric titrations, Karl Fischer moisture analysis, Loss on Drying, pH, Specific Gravity, Brookfield Viscosity, HPLC and GC Chromatography, Ion Chromatography, FTIR and UV Spectroscopy.
Main Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Verification of incoming raw material COA’s.
- In-process and final product laboratory analysis.
- Adjustment of production batches to meet specification.
- Generating COA’s on the EFACS MRP system.
- Generating labels for production via the EFACS MRP system.
- Recording all QC testing thoroughly.
- Supporting the QC team with everyday tasks and duties.
- Conducting Technical Service Requests when required.
- Preparing sample requests
- Ordering laboratory chemicals and equipment when necessary.
What could the future look like?
When you join Libra Speciality Chemicals, 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) Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About you
You will bring strong written and verbal communication skills, paired with excellent interpersonal abilities, to effectively collaborate within our team at Libra Speciality Chemicals. You’ll have the capacity to multitask in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards of accuracy and attention to detail.
You are proficient in basic IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office, and capable of accurately recording and entering data into databases. With excellent organisational, planning, and time-management skills, you will follow analytical test methods, perform calculations, and document your work thoroughly and clearly.
An interest in science or chemical manufacturing will enhance your role as you contribute to ensuring the quality and consistency of our products.
Please note, due to the location and working hours of the role a driving license and access to your own car (or vehicle) is required.
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. We’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Libra Speciality Chemicals.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. 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!
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 Libra Speciality Chemicals 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.
