Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Location: Hereford
Salary: £12.71 per hour
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:30 - 17:00 (Tuesday is your college/study day)
Contract: Permanent Apprenticeship

Start Your Career in Science with Avara Foods

Are you passionate about Science and looking for a practical career that combines learning with hands-on experience?

Join Avara Foods as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice and become part of a dedicated team responsible for ensuring the quality and safety of our products. From day one, you'll gain valuable laboratory experience while working towards nationally recognised qualifications and building a long-term career with one of the UK's leading food businesses.

Whether you're a recent GCSE leaver looking to start your scientific career or already hold strong Level 3 science qualifications and want to continue your academic development, we have an apprenticeship pathway designed to support your progression.

About the Role

As a Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will become a member of our Laboratory team from day one, gaining practical experience across a range of laboratory functions while studying towards your qualification.

You'll work within our microbiology and chemistry laboratories, supporting testing, analysis and quality processes that help ensure our products consistently meet the highest standards.

Following successful completion of the programme, you'll have the opportunity to progress into a permanent Laboratory Technician role.

Apprenticeship Pathways

Option 1: Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science

This pathway is ideal for candidates who are beginning their scientific career.

Entry Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including:
  • Mathematics
  • English Language
  • A Science subject
• Applicants with equivalent Level 3 Science qualifications below Grade C, or Level 3 qualifications in non-science subjects, may also be considered.
• No or limited laboratory experience required.

Programme Details:

• 24-month programme (21 months learning plus 3-month End Point Assessment period)
• Supported by a dedicated BTEC Tutor and Vocational Skills Coach (VSC)

Qualifications Achieved:

• Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Pass or Distinction)
• Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Applied Science (Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*)

Option 2: Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with Level 4 HNC in Applied Science (Biology or Chemistry)

This pathway is designed for candidates with strong Level 3 science qualifications who wish to continue their academic development while gaining valuable workplace experience.

Entry Requirements:

• Strong Level 3 Science qualifications, such as:
  • A Levels (Grade B or above)
  • Relevant Science BTEC qualification
• No or limited laboratory experience required.

Programme Details:

• 24-month programme (21 months learning plus 3-month End Point Assessment period)
• Supported by a dedicated HNC Tutor and Vocational Skills Coach (VSC)

Qualifications Achieved:

• Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Pass or Distinction)
• Level 4 HNC in Applied Science (Biology or Chemistry) (Pass, Merit or Distinction)

What You'll Learn

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll gain experience in:

• Undertaking routine laboratory work within microbiology and chemistry laboratories
• Performing analysis to CLAS, TLAS and UKAS/DEFRA standards
• Producing, analysing and interpreting scientific data

• Applying statistical techniques to laboratory results
• Using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
• Communicating scientific information effectively
• Investigating issues using scientific methods and proposing solutions
• Following food safety, quality and Health & Safety standards
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintaining laboratory housekeeping and hygiene standards
• Working to documented laboratory procedures to maintain accreditation compliance

• Collaborating effectively within a professional laboratory environment

What We're Looking For

We're looking for enthusiastic individuals who have:

• A genuine interest in Science and laboratory-based work
• Qualifications that meet the requirements of either apprenticeship pathway
• Strong attention to detail
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• A good standard of Maths and English
• Competent IT skills
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team

Training and Support

You'll receive structured training throughout your apprenticeship, including:

• Weekly online tutorials delivered by CSR Scientific Training, one of the UK's leading providers of laboratory apprenticeships
• Dedicated support from a Vocational Skills Coach (VSC), with regular onsite visits approximately every eight weeks
• Ongoing mentoring and practical workplace training from experienced laboratory professionals

What's in It for You?

As a valued member of our Laboratory Team, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• £12.71 per hour
• Permanent employment from day one
• Excellent pension scheme
• Private healthcare

• Employee benefits designed to help you make valuable tax and National Insurance savings
• Nationally recognised qualifications
• Long-term career development opportunities within Avara Foods

About Avara Foods

You may not have heard of us, but there's a good chance you've enjoyed our products.

Avara Foods is one of the UK's leading food businesses, supplying chicken and turkey to major supermarkets, foodservice customers and well-known restaurants across the country.

We manage our entire supply chain, from farms through to production and distribution, creating a wide variety of career opportunities across our business. Our network includes major processing sites across England and Wales and more than 350 farms nationwide.

About Our Hereford Site

Our advanced manufacturing facility in Hereford is one of our largest processing sites, processing up to 2 million birds each week.

More than 1,500 colleagues work at the site, helping deliver high-quality products to customers across the UK. We have recently invested £1.2 million in new technology and equipment, making the facility one of the most advanced food manufacturing operations in the country.

Important Information

Before applying, please note:

• We encourage applications from candidates who live within a reasonable commuting distance of the Hereford site.
• Applicants must have the permanent right to live and work in the UK.
• Apprenticeship eligibility will be assessed in line with current apprenticeship funding requirements.
• This role is based within a fast-paced FMCG manufacturing environment.
• Some production and site areas are refrigerated and can be noisy.
• High standards of hygiene, food safety and health and safety must be maintained at all times.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Avara Foods, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.

Ready to start your career in Science with Avara Foods? Apply today and take the first step towards becoming a qualified Laboratory Technician.*