Asbestos Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) - Crucial Environmental

Description

Location: Unit 17, Northbrook Business Park, Northbrook Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 8PQ

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Working for Crucial Environmental

Crucial Environmental Limited is a UK-wide leader in asbestos and hazardous material services, committed to delivering professional, compliant and dependable solutions for commercial, domestic and industrial clients. Incorporated in 2012 and headquartered in Worthing, West Sussex, we are a privately-owned environmental specialist with bases across the country, offering nationwide coverage from the South East to the Midlands and the North of England.

The Package

• Starting salary of £23,000/year - £27,000/year (Depending on age and experience)
• Monday – Friday
• Starting from 0800-0900, finishing 1600-1700
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

Key Responsibilities

We are pleased to offer an opportunity for an Asbestos Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join the team, supporting day-to-day laboratory operations including sample preparation, asbestos fibre identification, microscopy and accurate recording of analytical results in line with quality and regulatory standards.

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in asbestos analysis and laboratory science, offering the opportunity to develop a broad range of practical and technical skills while gaining hands-on experience in a professional, quality-focused laboratory environment:

• Receive, log and prepare laboratory samples ready for analysis.
• Learn and carry out appropriate sample preparation techniques in line with laboratory procedures.
• Develop practical skills in the use of stereo and polarised light microscopy.
• Learn how to identify different types of asbestos fibres, including chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite.
• Accurately record laboratory activities, sample information and analytical results.
• Enter, review and maintain analytical information within laboratory systems.
• Assist with the preparation and production of laboratory certificates and documentation.
• Support the maintenance, checking and general care of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe laboratory environment at all times.
• Take part in internal quality control exercises to help ensure accurate and reliable analytical results.
• Follow the company's documented laboratory procedures and Quality Management System (QMS).
• Develop an understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 requirements relevant to the role.
• Learn about key quality requirements including impartiality, confidentiality, equipment control, sample handling and record keeping.
• Understand how nonconforming work is identified, recorded and managed within a regulated laboratory environment.
• Develop an understanding of the importance of producing technically valid, accurate and reliable analytical results.
• Complete all analytical work under appropriate supervision and checking while developing competency.
• Take on increasing levels of responsibility as your knowledge, practical skills and confidence develop.
• Work towards demonstrating competency and gaining formal authorisation to carry out relevant laboratory activities independently.

About You

You’re someone who enjoys focused, detailed work and takes pride in accuracy. You like understanding exactly what you’re looking at and why it matters, rather than just following steps. Whether you’ve explored science before or are just starting out, you’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a career in a laboratory environment where precision and consistency are essential.

You’re most comfortable in a structured setting, you like clear procedures, predictable routines, and knowing what good looks like. Working with microscopes, analysing samples, and carefully identifying and recording results feels satisfying rather than repetitive. You’re patient, methodical, and able to concentrate for long periods on detailed tasks because you understand that accuracy and consistency are critical to producing reliable outcomes.

You approach your work with a calm, disciplined mindset and take responsibility for following procedures and maintaining high standards. You’re confident working independently for extended periods, while also understanding the importance of quality checks and clear documentation. You’re motivated by producing precise, defensible results and are keen to build your skills over time, becoming a trusted specialist in a highly controlled laboratory environment.

Please note: You must be 18+ due to the nature of the working environment

Please note: This role may be subject to background or security checks

Apprenticeship Eligibility

To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:

✔️ Be 18 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.

So how does the apprenticeship work?

Start your career as an asbestos laboratory technician and gain hands-on experience supporting vital testing and analysis in a professional laboratory environment.

As part of this Level 3 Asbestos Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out bulk asbestos analysis, apply recognised analytical techniques, and contribute to producing accurate, compliant, and legally defensible results.

Over 12 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.

As part of your training, you’ll also work towards the BOHS P401, a recognised qualification within the asbestos industry.

What could your future look like?

This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as an Asbestos Bulk Analyst 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.

We’re Tiro (pronounced Tea-ro — 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 join ambitious businesses since 2005.

We believe great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employers waiting to nurture them.

We’re proud to help connect the two — supporting industries that make, test, and innovate; from polymer manufacturing and materials science to sustainable engineering and advanced technology.

At Tiro, we make great things happen for people.
And that starts with you.