Structural Testing Laboratory Technician (Level 3) - FIRA International
| Posting date: | 21 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £22,293 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Salary increases to National Minimum Wage after 12 months if applicable |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 June 2025 |
| Location: | Unit 3 Cockerell Cl, Stevenage SG1 2NB |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Tiro |
| Job type: | Apprenticeship |
| Job reference: | TW0834y |
Summary
Working for FIRA International
FIRA International, part of the Element Group, specialises in providing a comprehensive range of independent testing, inspection, certification, technical and training services to the furniture industry. We exist to help our customers to make certain that their materials, products, systems and operations are safe, quality, compliant and ultimately fit for purpose.
FIRA International’s ergonomics team offer consultancy, testing and research services across all sectors of the furniture industry, and during all stages of production from initial prototypes to established products.
The Package
Starting salary: £22,293 per annum (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if applicable)
Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
1 hour lunch break
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Life assurance scheme
Legal & General Pension Scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Free onsite refreshments
Recommend a friend bonus
Perks at Work discount scheme
Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as a Structural Testing Laboratory Technician Apprentice?
FIRA International are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualifications through our Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.
Preparation of Materials:
Ensure that test items are correctly handled, stored and conditioned.
All test preparation (e.g. cutting, sizing, labelling and affixing) to be in accordance with standards and procedures
Testing:
Enter and update all job status on testing system as required.
Conduct all tests to recognised test standard, methodology, FIRA procedures, UKAS and general quality requirements.
Correctly set up, monitor and measure each test, recording all relevant data.
Results:
Ensure that test results are accurately recorded and collated.
Produce draft and submit written reports in the correct format
Standards:
Understand and apply relevant standards for each test and keep abreast of any developments in standards.
Flexibility:
Be prepared to assist in any test area and learn additional skills as directed.
Assist in calibration and maintenance of equipment where necessary
Assist in accepting all testing deliveries, sign for and book in samples, mark up and ensure located correctly.
Health and Safety:
Responsible for health and safety issues within own work area.
Observe all health and safety regulations and ensure good housekeeping and PPE.
About you
This is a very hands on and practical role so you should have a passion for science, be willing to get stuck in and be hungry to learn from the offset!
In an apprenticeship, it’s all about learning, so you’ll be an inquisitive person, who loves to learn and ask questions about why things work the way they do.
Due to the nature of the role, where you’ll be handling materials and machinery, it’s crucial that you’ll be able to bring a responsible, reliable and professional approach to work every day. The ability to think on your feet and have good health & safety awareness is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role.
We’re looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You’ll need to have good attention to detail to identify problems, and be an accurate record keeper!
The team at Fira International are busy, so you’ll be the kind of person who thrives in a fast paced environment, whilst able to prioritise and organise your workload!
You must be customer focused, with good communication and a strong telephone manner.
We’re looking for someone who is comfortable using basic Microsoft Office Programmes (Word & Excel) and able to pick up new systems quickly!
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Please note, because of the nature and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+ and be able to undertake some manual handling/heavy lifting. You must also be able to reliably commute to site within 45 minutes.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven 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!
Experience
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 FIRA International.
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 a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at FIRA International who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.
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.
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!
FIRA International, part of the Element Group, specialises in providing a comprehensive range of independent testing, inspection, certification, technical and training services to the furniture industry. We exist to help our customers to make certain that their materials, products, systems and operations are safe, quality, compliant and ultimately fit for purpose.
FIRA International’s ergonomics team offer consultancy, testing and research services across all sectors of the furniture industry, and during all stages of production from initial prototypes to established products.
The Package
Starting salary: £22,293 per annum (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months if applicable)
Working hours: 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
1 hour lunch break
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Life assurance scheme
Legal & General Pension Scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Free onsite refreshments
Recommend a friend bonus
Perks at Work discount scheme
Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as a Structural Testing Laboratory Technician Apprentice?
FIRA International are pleased to be able to offer you the opportunity to both earn a salary and study towards a nationally recognised qualifications through our Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship.
Preparation of Materials:
Ensure that test items are correctly handled, stored and conditioned.
All test preparation (e.g. cutting, sizing, labelling and affixing) to be in accordance with standards and procedures
Testing:
Enter and update all job status on testing system as required.
Conduct all tests to recognised test standard, methodology, FIRA procedures, UKAS and general quality requirements.
Correctly set up, monitor and measure each test, recording all relevant data.
Results:
Ensure that test results are accurately recorded and collated.
Produce draft and submit written reports in the correct format
Standards:
Understand and apply relevant standards for each test and keep abreast of any developments in standards.
Flexibility:
Be prepared to assist in any test area and learn additional skills as directed.
Assist in calibration and maintenance of equipment where necessary
Assist in accepting all testing deliveries, sign for and book in samples, mark up and ensure located correctly.
Health and Safety:
Responsible for health and safety issues within own work area.
Observe all health and safety regulations and ensure good housekeeping and PPE.
About you
This is a very hands on and practical role so you should have a passion for science, be willing to get stuck in and be hungry to learn from the offset!
In an apprenticeship, it’s all about learning, so you’ll be an inquisitive person, who loves to learn and ask questions about why things work the way they do.
Due to the nature of the role, where you’ll be handling materials and machinery, it’s crucial that you’ll be able to bring a responsible, reliable and professional approach to work every day. The ability to think on your feet and have good health & safety awareness is crucial due to the environment and nature of the role.
We’re looking for someone who is focused and careful in all aspects of work. You’ll need to have good attention to detail to identify problems, and be an accurate record keeper!
The team at Fira International are busy, so you’ll be the kind of person who thrives in a fast paced environment, whilst able to prioritise and organise your workload!
You must be customer focused, with good communication and a strong telephone manner.
We’re looking for someone who is comfortable using basic Microsoft Office Programmes (Word & Excel) and able to pick up new systems quickly!
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Please note, because of the nature and responsibilities of this position, you must be aged 18+ and be able to undertake some manual handling/heavy lifting. You must also be able to reliably commute to site within 45 minutes.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven 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!
Experience
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 FIRA International.
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 a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at FIRA International who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.
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.
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!