Description
Location:Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham, B4 7XG
Please note, the successful apprentices will be based at Bardon Hill Technical Centre, Leicestershire, LE67 1TL for initial 3-6 month training period.
Working for Aggregate Industries
Aggregate industries are one of the leading building materials suppliers. Our aim is to be the UK leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions. We are committed to grounding sustainability in the future of the construction industry.
With over 200 sites and around 3,700 dedicated employees, we offer a full range of construction products to help our partners work sustainably, safely, professionally, and profitably.
Our people are at the very heart of our business. It’s in how our people build strong partnerships through a shared commitment to sustainability that drives business growth.
Our teams can be counted on to add value, make a difference and truly care about what they do. By being supportive and open, we work together, striving for mutual success – and we encourage all our people to be curious and develop their skills.
The Package
- Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living Wage after 12 months)
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Workings hours are 40 hours per week
- Shift patterns (7am- 3.30pm or 12pm-8pm), overtime available
- Access to site vehicle
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
As a Construction Materials Technician Apprentice you’ll be working in a laboratory but not as you know it! Be prepared to get mucky as you get to know your materials. This won’t be a sterile environment and requires someone who’s not afraid to get stuck in.
Working as part of a close-knit team, you won’t be alone. You’ll be supported and guided, learning on the job as you go, by a team of other apprentices and experienced materials technicians. 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.
As a member of Aggregate Industries laboratory team you’ll push construction materials to their limits ensuring that they’re safe and reliable to use. These materials will need to exist for many years to come without expensive maintenance, without damaging the structure and without endangering human life.No two days are ever the same with Aggregate Industries. You’ll not only spend time between testing on site and testing in the lab, but you’ll also visit and work at several locations nearby – a great opportunity to meet others to aid professional progression and skill sharing.
What you’ll be doing:
- Working alongside other team members, testing the properties of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and asphalt.
- Improving the performance of existing products, to eliminate faults with materials already in use.
- Helping bring materials testing in the 21st century using new technologies (e.g. Switching over to automated processes, new ergonomic equipment or even new recording and reporting systems.)
- Developing an understanding, knowledge and practical methods used to examine materials, including non-destructive testing (NDT).
- Following testing methods to ensure safety and quality and to support the lab in maintaining its accreditation to operate.
- Travelling to and from sites, collecting materials to be tested.
Through training and development provided, you’ll work towards excellence in the following areas:
- Undertake 21-month apprenticeship to Level 3.
- Ensure all work is undertaken safely in accordance with required processes.
- Undertake testing of materials including aggregates, concrete, and asphalt in accordance with required standards, in the laboratory and on construction sites.
- Comply with the high standards of work required by the Quality Management Systems to required deadlines.
- Maintain equipment to required standards as required by the Laboratory Manager.
- Proactively communicate with senior staff to ensure effective communication.
- Attend training courses and assessments as required by the apprenticeship standard and maintaining training records.
What could the future look like?
After completing your Level 3 apprenticeship there are many pathways available to you at Aggregate Industries and beyond. Here are some examples of how your career may progress:
- Level 4/5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship
- Senior technician (Average salary £29,015/year)
- Materials Engineer (Average salary £34,565/year
- Laboratory Manager (Average salary £38,207/year)
- Project lead (Salary bonuses)
Our goal is to train you in many aspects of material testing and quality control. Hard work and achievement will be rewarded. Don’t take it from us, hear it from one of VINCI’s top female apprentices:
"Working with BBV has given me the opportunity to increase my knowledge within all construction related sectors. Guidance and experience from individuals, such as consultants and principal engineers, has not only helped increase my knowledge, but has also helped me grow professionally and given me the confidence to communicate with people at all levels.”–
Kennedy McCarthy.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About You
We’re looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. You’ll need to show you can be positive and proactive in identifying problems and defects.
You’ll have a naturally enquiring mind and be digitally savvy. We’re looking for someone who is self-confident to communicate with a range of people, whilst having the flexibility to work out of hours including night shifts & weekend working as required
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Please note all applicants are required to be aged 18+, and hold a full manual driving license with access to their own car due to the nature of the role.
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. 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 Aggregate Industries.
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!
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 Aggregate Industries 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!
Want to know more. Check out the apprenticeship standards
here. Eligibility
There are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.
You’ll need to be over 18, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested
hereand we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.
Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.
