Description
Location: ENRMF, Stamford Road, Kingscliffe, Northamptonshire, PE8 6XX
Working for Augean
Augean are the sector leader in modernising hazardous waste management practice, providing sustainable waste management solutions. The business conducts various testing & monitoring of waste/hazardous materials. Technicians analyse samples, testing levels of, for example, soil and other substances.
Their core values have been developed to help them shape the way they work together with Augean. Through respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence, everyone is aligned to support each other and provide technical excellence to their customers.
This role is a great opportunity for anyone with a keen interest in Chemistry or Environmental Science but not essential. If you have the passion to learn and desire to build a new skillset then we want to speak to you.
The Package
At Tiro, we make great things happen for people. And that starts with you. In this role you’ll receive:
- Starting salary of £21,500
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Workings hours are 40 hours per week (8.30-5.00pm)
- 1 hour lunch break
- Company pension scheme
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
Our employees are our greatest asset and we recognise the need to motivate, incentivise and develop our people as leaders in our sector.
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
As an apprentice, you will have the opportunity work alongside experts, including Analytical Chemists, Quality Managers & Technical Assessors to name a few. You’ll work in the laboratory performing environmental and sampling activities as set out by your mentor.
Reporting directly to the Laboratory Manager you will prepare and sample different materials around the site, using a variety of analytical instruments to ensure the site is behaving in the manner predicted in the risk assessments, and that there is no unacceptable environmental impact.
- Sample preparation to UKAS ISO 17025 standard
- Extracting and clean-up of samples using various techniques.
- Calculation of results and data entry on to the LIMS system.
- Performing daily checks including balances, pipettes, and instruments.
- Cleaning, reagent, and sample preparation.
- Eventually run and maintain various instrumentation within the Laboratory.
- Sampling of incoming waste streams for compliance.
With support from your manager, mentor & team you will gain a knowledge of chemistry techniques, analytical and research skills, computer competences, and teamwork.
Read what Chris Franklin, Lab Manager for Augean has to say:
Working for Augean and in particular an environmental analytical testing laboratory has been an interesting and challenging career path for me. As part of the team, I was responsible for analysing hazardous waste to ensure that it is disposed of safely and in compliance with environmental permits and legislation. I now run the Laboratory which carries out this critical analysis.
One of the most exciting aspects of my job is working with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies. It's fascinating to learn about and operate the latest instruments and techniques, and it's challenging to maintain and develop methods to ensure the highest accuracy and precision.
I take pride in the fact that my work makes a positive impact on the environment by minimizing the negative impacts of hazardous waste. Analysing different waste streams is always an engaging experience that requires me to use my expertise and knowledge to develop effective strategies for disposal.
Working alongside a team of professionals who share my passion for environmental conservation has been a great experience. Augean take difficult to manage waste streams and dispose of them safely and compliantly. The sense of camaraderie and teamwork in the lab is excellent, making it a supportive work environment.
Overall, working in an environmental analytical testing laboratory at Augean has been a fulfilling career path for me. The work is challenging, engaging, and allows me to make a positive impact on the environment.
What could the future look like?
There’s no limit to what you can achieve if you work for Augean, with potential for the successful applicant to be offered a full-time position working with the business at the end of the apprenticeship.
Through ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop a career in laboratory testing. Not only that but the apprentice will have the opportunity to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).
There will also be opportunities to develop into further roles such as analytical chemists, technical and risk assessment-based positions. All of which contribute to projects looking for ways to improve processes at the plant. Hard work and determination will be recognised!
Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, 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 Augean.
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!
About You
We are looking for someone who is focused and meticulous in all aspects of work. Someone who displays a willingness to work within a team to achieve an end goal and to provide the necessary support in reaching that goal.
You must be comfortable collaborating with others to ensure business demands are met, with an emphasis on customer service, meeting customer expectations and improving service levels whilst taking on responsibility of your own work and managing you time effectively.
Be prepared for a challenge as you take on activities to ensure the targets are met, whilst standards are upheld to ensure the safety of your team and working environment.
To succeed in this apprenticeship, you’ll need bags of enthusiasm, be a fantastic collaborator and be hungry to learn!
Even if this doesn’t sound quite like you, but you still think you could do a great job in the role, get in touch. We’re always open to wildcards.
Think you’ve got what it takes to add value to our success? We would love to hear from you and look forward to receiving your application.
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 Augean 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
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, 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.
