Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L6

Location: West Midlands

Compensation: £29,000 / year

Description

Location: B.S.T. Supplies & Co, Zenith, Fordhouse Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9FB

Working for BST Supplies

Based in Wolverhampton, UK, BST specialises in the manufacture of bespoke components, all produced on-site to ensure quality and consistency. Our in-house capabilities include hot forging, heat treatment, mechanical and NDT testing, CNC machining, and PTFE plating, supporting the production of a wide range of threaded and non-threaded components.

The Package

Starting salary of £29,000/year
Mon-Thurs 8.00-4.30 and Friday 8.00-4.00pm
39.5 hours per week
Overtime available
Company pension scheme
Regular training and CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a MLaboratory Scientist Materials Degree Apprentice Apprentice to join the team and support the effective operation of laboratory and materials testing activities. In this role, you will contribute to maintaining safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory processes while supporting quality assurance and testing activities across the organisation.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in laboratory leadership and quality management, giving you the opportunity to develop technical, operational, and problem-solving skills within a supportive environment focused on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Summary of duties:

Carry out materials testing, including tensile and impact testing, on production materials where required.
Ensure all testing activities follow company quality procedures and relevant ASTM and BS standards.
Make sure all materials used for testing are correctly identified and fully traceable using batch or BST reference numbers.
Read and interpret technical specifications and accurately record test results in line with customer and international material standards.
Conduct mechanical, physical, and visual inspections of raw materials and components to confirm they meet required specifications.
Prepare materials and components for metallurgical examination where required.
Ensure laboratory testing equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and safe to use.
Record testing information using company systems and produce reports, including logging non-conformances (NCRs).
Work with colleagues across departments to resolve testing queries and confirm materials meet product requirements.
Maintain high standards of quality, safety, and housekeeping within the laboratory and testing areas.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

Our Degree Materials Science Technologist (Level 6) apprenticeship is designed for aspiring materials scientists who want to build a career in laboratory and materials science. This programme gives you the best of both worlds: you’ll gain a recognised and accredited degree while developing hands-on skills in a real working environment.

As a Materials Science Technologist apprentice, you’ll learn how to design and carry out experiments, analyse and interpret complex materials data, apply materials science principles to solve technical problems, and work safely and effectively in laboratory and industrial settings. By the end of the programme, you’ll have the knowledge, practical experience, and professional skills required to succeed in the materials science industry.

Why Tiro?

At Tiro, we partner with Middlesex University to deliver the Degree Materials Science Technologist (Level 6) apprenticeship. This programme combines high-quality academic learning with structured workplace training, ensuring you develop both strong theoretical understanding and real-world laboratory and industrial competence.

Our apprenticeship provides a strong alternative to traditional graduate schemes. It is designed for ambitious individuals with a passion for materials science who want to earn a salary, gain valuable industry experience, and achieve a degree — all at the same time.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You

Are you a laboratory technician ready to take your expertise in materials to the next level? Do you have the curiosity to investigate deeper, the ambition to grow, and the drive to make a real impact in a technical environment? If you’ve got hands-on experience in materials testing or working with materials, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Our Level 6 Laboratory Scientist (Materials) Degree Apprenticeship with BST Supplies is designed for ambitious professionals who want to advance their scientific knowledge while building a long-term career in the materials sector. This isn’t just about running tests, it’s about understanding materials at a deeper level, applying scientific principles, and contributing to innovation, quality, and performance.

You’ll expand your technical expertise in materials science while developing skills in data analysis, problem-solving, and laboratory investigation. Working alongside experienced professionals, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to support critical decisions, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement.

Whether you’re analysing materials performance, ensuring quality standards, or supporting innovation, you’ll become a highly skilled laboratory scientist with the capability to make a real difference.

If you’re ready to progress your career, gain a degree, and stand out in the world of materials science, this is your next step.

Entry Requirements

To enrol on the Degree Materials Science Technologist (Level 6) apprenticeship, there are a few eligibility requirements set by the UK Government.

You’ll need to:

✔️ Be 16 or over
✔️ Not be in full-time education
✔️ Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
✔️ Have the right to work in the UK

You’ll also need:

A minimum of Level 3 qualifications (such as A-levels, BTECs, or equivalent)
Relevant work experience in a related field

We recognise that everyone’s journey into science is different. If you’re passionate about a career in material science but aren’t sure whether you meet all of the requirements yet, we’d still love to hear from you. Let us know you’re interested and we can discuss your individual circumstances and potential pathways with you.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

At Tiro, we’re passionate about transforming careers through science and technology apprenticeships — and we can’t wait to welcome you on board!

Over 36 months, you’ll grow into a confident, skilled Materials Science Technologist, ready to lead in innovation, research, and problem-solving. You’ll have 6 hours per week during your working hours dedicated to learning and development. This includes a mix of theory — such as virtual lessons and online learning — and hands-on practical experience, like shadowing, mentoring, and completing assignments.

You won’t be doing this alone. You’ll be supported by our expert Tiro tutors alongside an experienced workplace mentor at BST Supplies. Together, they’ll guide you to build the knowledge, skills, and professional habits that will set you up for a successful and rewarding career in chemical science.

For more details, please check the Degree Materials Science Technologist page on our website: Degree Materials Science Technologist

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Laboratory Scientist Materials Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6) - BST Supplies