Location: Derby, DE1 3QB

Expected Start Date: ASAP

 Kiwa is a global testing, inspection and certification company, helping businesses understand the quality, safety and performance of their products, materials and processes. Within its geotechnical team, Kiwa carries out testing of soils and ground conditions to support construction projects. 

As a Materials Technician Apprentice, you’ll support by carrying out testing of soils and ground conditions on construction sites. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll travel to different sites, take samples and carry out geotechnical tests while developing your practical and technical skills.

Please note: You must be 21+, hold a full UK driving licence and have a CSCS card for this role.

🔗 Kiwa Website

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an apprentice to join Kiwa in supporting the accurate testing of soils and ground conditions across different construction sites.

This apprenticeship provides a hands-on introduction to geotechnical testing, giving you the opportunity to develop practical and technical skills while working alongside experienced colleagues:

You’re practical, reliable and enjoy hands-on work. You’re interested in understanding how soils and ground conditions are tested and are comfortable spending much of your time outdoors on different sites, including working in wet and cold conditions.

You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail and accurately recording your work. You understand the importance of following testing procedures and taking health and safety seriously, particularly when working on construction sites and using testing equipment.

You’re a good problem solver, willing to learn and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team. A technical background would be an advantage, but most importantly, you’re motivated to develop your skills and build a career in geotechnical testing.

Please note: You must be 21+, hold a full UK driving licence and have a CSCS card for this role.

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:

✔️ Be 21 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 

Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you, get in touch and we can advise you further.

Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.

As part of this Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site-based environment.

👉 Learn more about the programme here.

Over 20 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.

You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.

What your training will look like:You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.

What could your future look like?

This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a materials technician and progress within the industry.

Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.

If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.