HS2 is powered by two of construction’s biggest employers: Balfour Beatty & VINCI (BBV). Both companies are committed to enhancing the lives of future generations by designing a transformational rail system that is admired around the world. They are also making HS2 a fantastic place to work for all – including increasing opportunities for women working in construction.
The package
At Tiro, we make great things happen for people. And that starts with you. In this role you’ll receive:
• Starting salary of £19,760
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Workings hours are 40 hours per week
• Regular training and CPD opportunities
As an Apprentice Materials Technician you’ll be working out of the Precast facility in Avonmouth, Bristol, supporting the HS2 project by ensuring the quality of concrete segments used on the tunnels. You’ll push construction materials to their limits ensuring that they’re safe and reliable to use. These materials will need to exist for many years to come without expensive maintenance, without damaging the structure and without endangering human life.
This is a laboratory role, but not as you know it! Be prepared to get mucky as you get to know your materials. This won’t be a sterile environment and requires someone who’s not afraid to get stuck in.
Through training and development provided, you’ll work towards excellence in the following areas:
- Working alongside other team members, testing the properties of fresh & hardened concrete, alongside concrete aggregates.
- Undertaking maturity testing to predict concrete strengths
- Following testing methods to ensure safety and quality and to support the lab in maintaining its accreditation to operate
- Undertaking laboratory calibration and maintaining equipment to required standards as required by the Laboratory Manager
- Undertaking daily checks
- Monitoring material compliance
As well as working with our own teams, you will have the chance to spend time with the companies we partner. What’s more, you will work towards an NVQ or professional membership qualification supported by on-the-job training.
What could the future look like?
After completing your Level 3 apprenticeship there are many pathways available to you at VINCI and beyond. Here are some examples of how your career may progress:
- Level 4/5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship
- Senior technician (Average salary £29,015/year)
- Materials Engineer (Average salary £34,565/year)
- Laboratory Manager (Average salary £38,207/year)
- Project lead (Salary bonuses)
VINCI believe that recruiting and training apprentices is, first and foremost, their civic duty as a responsible employer. These programmes help apprentices to prepare their own future – and the future of our companies and communities by addressing their needs in terms of recruitment and economic development.
Along with Tiro our goal is to train you in many aspects of material testing and quality control. Hard work and achievement will be rewarded.
Don’t take it from us, hear it from one of VINCI’s top female apprentices:
“Working with BBV has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge within all construction related sectors. Guidance and experience from individuals, such as consultants and principal engineers, has not only helped increase my knowledge, but has also helped me grow professionally and given me the confidence to communicate with people at all levels.” – Kennedy McCarthy.
Requirements
Experience
Qualifications
Skills and characteristics
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Even if this doesn’t sound quite like you, but you still think you could do a great job in the role, get in touch. We’re always open to wildcards.
Eligibility
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Over 21 months, you’ll devote 20% of your time to working towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro, who’ll make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your apprenticeship.
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!
Not ready to apply yet?