Microbiology Technical Apprenticeship

The Open University

Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA

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Working for The Open University
In 1969 one ambition changed the world, giving anyone, anywhere the power to learn. Established by the Royal Charter and globally recognised, The Open University has pioneered distance learning for over 50 years, delivering exceptional teaching and outstanding support to students across the UK and the world.

Our mission is to make learning accessible to all, and together we’ve already helped over 2 million students to realise their ambitions.
What it’s like working in this role

In this role your goal will be working with the laboratory team where you will receive, prepare, and partially analyse samples such as bioaerosols, food, sediments, water, and other environmental samples for a range of analytical testing.

You will be trained in how to work safely in a quality-controlled laboratory with support from your mentor, whilst maintaining excellent housekeeping and in accordance with Health and Safety, environment, and risk management systems.

The Microbiology Technical Apprenticeship will work with various microbiological agents ranging from extremophilic archaea and bacteria to pathogenic (hazard group 2) bacteria and fungi.

What could the future look like?

Tiro and The Open University’s goal is to transform you into a fully competent laboratory technician, ideally open to accepting a full-time, permanent position within the team.

Requirements

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 The Open University.

Qualifications

It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who have drive 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!

Skills and characteristics

We're looking for someone who LOVES talking with others and has IMPRESSIVE communication skills. We’re looking for someone who is driven and determined to get what they want. You’ll need to show you can be thorough, obsessive and have strong attention to detail. You’ll have a naturally enquiring mind and be digitally savvy. We’re looking for someone whose fearless. You’ll be brave enough to be yourself, with enough self-confidence to be able to communicate with a range of people and can adapt your approach to influence others.

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?

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 20% of your time to working towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at The Open University who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career. The best part? You’ll be earning while you learn.

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.
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Not ready to apply yet?

Drop us a message and we’ll answer any questions you might have

Role overview

Wage: £17,388

Hours per week: 37.5

Length: 21 months

Required: Candidates must display an eagerness to learn and are willing to be pro-active

City: Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA