Level 3 – Materials Testing Technician

Materials Testing Technicians play a crucial role in a wide range of organisations. They work at the cutting edge of technology, whether in a laboratory or out in the field, performing both routine and unique laboratory testing and offering technical support across their organisation.

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Qualification

Level 3

Subject area

Science

Course type

Apprenticeship

Course length

16 months

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What is a Materials Testing Technician?

The Materials Testing Technician apprenticeship is an extension of our popular Laboratory Technician programme. It’s been developed in partnership with leading organisations in the construction industry to address a skills shortage across major infrastructure projects.

An apprenticeship on the Materials Testing Technician programme is a step towards a rewarding career in construction. You could find yourself working on projects like the HS2 high-speed rail link, the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, or building smart motorways. These projects carry an immense risk and often have to be guaranteed for over 100 years, so Materials Testing is crucial.

Skilled technicians are there to make sure every task is performed safely, and in line with industry guidelines and standards.

What will I learn?

This programme is designed to enable existing team members or new recruits to develop the knowledge skills, and behaviours needed to fulfil their vital role.

Our apprenticeship will train you in the highest standards of safety and quality in laboratory environments. You’ll develop the technical knowledge of scientific methods and techniques, including following standard operating procedures, problem solving and interacting with laboratory information management systems.

You’ll learn to follow and conduct risk assessments, analyse simple and complex data sets and understand the legal and ethical requirements for your industry. You ‘ll learn to accurately conduct and document laboratory experiments, tests and tasks.

In addition to technical competence, you’ll also learn the importance of effective communication with different audiences. Our programmes instil strong values of teamwork, time management and a commitment to professional development.

What next?

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll qualify to be a Technician Member (TIMMM) of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3). You will also be eligible to join the Register of Science Technicians (RSciTech) through an appropriate industry body.

Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior technician and management roles. Or they might go on to a higher level apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Grade C/4 in Maths and English ideal, but not essential

Delivery and Assessment

Our programmes are delivered through blended learning, a flexible approach which suits the varied contexts of our learners and employers. Apprentices benefit from both online and in-person input with the support of our Practice Tutors and Module Tutors. In the final three months of the programme you’ll prepare and undertake an End Point Assessment.

Progression

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Career Opportunities

Senior Materials Technician roles
Leadership and Management

Typical job roles

Materials Testing Technician
Materials Technician
Field Technician
Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Technician
Environmental Technician

Course modules

Module Breakdown Industry Technical Modules

Module 1

Working Safely in a Laboratory

Your apprentice will learn how to work safely and discover regulations specific to your organisation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Module 2

Industry Technical

Your apprentice will gain theoretical knowledge on a topic relevant to your organisation, such as Chemistry or Material Science.

Module 3

Working with Data

Your apprentice will explore the theory and application of laboratory information management systems in the workplace and the importance of document control and record keeping. They will also learn how to display and evaluate data in a workplace setting.

Module 4

Laboratory Investigations

Here the apprentice will learn the quality requirements of a laboratory both internally and externally to your organization and how these requirements lead to reliable and accurate scientific work.

Module 5

Problem Solving and Solutions

In this module, the apprentice will learn different approaches to problem-solving and how to apply these in their workplace. They will also learn why error reporting is vital to quality-centric processes.

Module 6

Improving Processes and Procedures

The apprentice will learn about applying continuous improvement methods in the workplace and how these can contribute to improving efficiencies in services and processes.

Module 1

Asbestos

Understand the health risks, legal frameworks, and removal processes related to asbestos. Learn how to assess, manage, and report on asbestos in a lab or field setting.

Key Takeaways:
• Health and legal risks of asbestos exposure (e.g., Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012)
• Fibre counting, air sampling, and safe decontamination
• Surveying techniques and reoccupation protocols post-removal

Best For: Environmental technicians, safety specialists, and those working with construction
material

Module 2

Aseptic Science

Master cleanroom protocols, microbial control, and pharmaceutical preparation. Learn how drugs
are safely formulated and tested in sterile environments.

Key Takeaways:
• Aseptic techniques and cleanroom classifications
• Sterility assurance, microbial control, and contamination prevention
• Radio pharmacy, patient variability, and pharmaceutical formulations

Best For: Pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and clinical support roles

Module 3

Biological Principles

Explore life at the microscopic and molecular level. This module covers cellular biology, respiration,
genetics, and the principles behind evolution and biotechnology.

Key Takeaways:
• Prokaryotic vs. eukaryotic cells, biomolecules, DNA, and genetic inheritance
• Human physiology, ecosystems, and environmental impact
• Evolution, adaptation, and biotech ethics

Best For: Lab roles in healthcare, microbiology, and bioscience

Module 4

Chemical Principles

Dive into the fundamentals of chemistry, from atomic theory to organic reactions. Develop a solid
base in stoichiometry, bonding, and thermodynamics.

Key Takeaways:
• Atomic structure, bonding types, and reaction energetics
• Equilibrium, kinetics, acids/bases, and titrations
• Organic chemistry applications and sustainability in lab practice

Best For: Roles in materials science, chemical labs, and analytical testing

Module 5

Environmental Sciences

Explore how science can help solve today’s biggest environmental challenges. From ecosystems to
energy, discover how natural and human systems interact—and what we can do to protect them.

Key Takeaways:
• Understand climate change, pollution, and sustainable energy solutions
• Analyse ecosystems, water resources, and circular economy models
• Explore environmental policy, biodiversity, and ethical responsibility

Best For: Roles in waste valorisation, environmental compliance, and sustainability management

Module 6

Materials Science

Discover how materials are built, tested, and applied. This module blends theory with engineering
relevance to explore metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.

Key Takeaways:
• Interatomic bonding, material selection, and mechanical properties
• Processing methods: shaping, joining, additive manufacturing
• Lifecycle analysis, sustainability, and smart materials

Best For: Careers in engineering labs, construction testing, and product development

Module 7

Applied Microbiology

Explore the invisible world shaping everything from health to industry. Learn how microbes grow,
spread, and are controlled in real-world lab environments.

Key Takeaways:
• Understand microbial classification, structure, and growth conditions
• Apply aseptic techniques, sterilisation, and enumeration methods
• Investigate pathogens, AMR, and the role of microbes in industry and biotech

Best For: Roles in microbiology labs, quality control, infection control, and biomanufacturing

Module 8

Polymer Science

Focus in on the world of plastics, from structure and synthesis to testing and recycling. Learn how
polymer behaviour affects product performance.

Key Takeaways:
• Thermoplastics vs thermosets, polymerisation methods, and curing
• Rheology, mechanical and thermal properties, and processing techniques
• Sustainability practices and innovations like smart and self-healing polymers

Best For: Polymer development, materials testing, and sustainability-focused industries

Hear from current apprentices

"I started as an apprentice at St Richards and I really enjoyed the learning on the job and the online learning of the course content. The school was really supportive and was very flexible with how I completed my apprenticeship. I was supported the whole way through by the mentor from the school and the tutor from Tiro. Once I finished my apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to progress to senior science technician. I have learnt so much in just a short time and have really enjoyed it and all the opportunities that have arisen during this time."

Emily Barr Level 3 Laboratory Technician - St Richards Catholic College

"The main surprise from this apprenticeship is that I learned practical and transferable skills that I did not learn from university, that can be transferred into other workplaces."

Liam Boyes Materials Technician Apprentice - Aggregate Industries

"I struggled a lot early on in my apprenticeship and to be honest at one point I did honestly think I wasn’t going to be able to finish it. Looking back now that would have been a huge mistake! During my apprenticeship I was always made to feel equal with others and shared equal responsibility, often working independently on site and in the lab carrying out UKAS Accredited tests. "

Jack Hodson Materials Technician Apprentice - Balfour Beatty Vinci

"With all the knowledge I have gained through Tiro and KEVICC, I believe that I can take on any challenges I face. "

Patrisia Hincheva Laboratory Technician Apprentice - King Edward VI Community College

"The Level 3 program has taught me how to balance work on top of education, and I now feel confident to study at Degree level. The experience I have gained at Waters has made me grow as a professional. Without all of this I would not be able to take the next step into a Level 6 apprenticeship. "

Alexandra Lee Laboratory Technician Apprentice - Waters Corporation

"I love the event organisation part of my role, so I’m keen to specialise in events after my apprenticeship"

Lucy Gardener Apprentice

""The whole experience taught me some valuable life lessons, and it’s given me a career with huge responsibilities. I have really matured thanks to the phenomenal support I’ve had from the company to progress my career""

Dan Gardener Materials Technician Apprentice - Balfour Beatty

What makes this programme great?

Here are a few reasons why our programmes are unique

Expert Tutors – our training team has real-world Science and Technology experience, academic qualifications up to PhD level, and a wealth of teaching expertise.
Science and Technology through and through – our employers work on everything from earthworks to networks, and from cancerous cells to concrete.
Flexible – our learning programmes are built with employers, for employers. They’re modularised and flexible, to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need. And all the training is delivered through a flexible mix of online and on-site training.
Apprentices you need, when you need them – we understand businesses resourcing needs won’t stick to anyone else’s schedule. We don’t work to arbitary start dates around the academic calendar or tax years. We’ll find and start your apprentices on programme whenever you need them.

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Contact us for more information about this course

Interested and have more questions? Get in touch with one of Tiro’s Experts who’ll take time to listen and understand what you’re looking for, answering all your questions and seeking to find the right solution just for you!

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