Polymer Laboratory Technician Apprentice

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join our Quality Control and Colour Development Laboratory. This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a busy laboratory environment while working towards a Level 3 Polymer Processing Technician Apprenticeship.

What you'll do

You will support both the Quality Control (QC) and Research & Development (R&D) teams, helping to test products, assess colour accuracy, carry out laboratory activities and maintain high quality standards. This role is ideal for someone with a genuine interest in science, manufacturing, product development and innovation.

As part of your apprenticeship, your duties will include:

• Conducting visual and instrumental colour assessments to ensure products meet customer and quality standards.
• Testing production batches for colour shade, strength and consistency.
• Recording and maintaining accurate laboratory results and documentation.
• Monitoring production samples and reporting any out-of-specification results.
• Supporting continuous improvement activities within the laboratory.
• Assisting with colour matching and formulation development projects.
• Working closely with production and technical teams to resolve quality issues.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and ensuring the laboratory is kept clean, organised and safe.
• Supporting product development activities and evaluating materials and processes.
• Following laboratory procedures, health and safety requirements and quality standards at all times.

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. Off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard.

After the apprenticeship

Successful completion of the apprenticeship may lead to a permanent position within Prisma Colour's technical team, with opportunities to progress into Quality Control, Product Development, Research & Development, Colour Matching or other specialist technical roles.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Team working
• Basic IT
• Positive attidtude

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 4/C or above)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 4/C or above)
• Essential: GCSE, Science (grade 4/C or above)
• Desired: A Level, Science (grade Pass)
• Desired: BTEC, Engineering (grade Pass)

Things to consider

Desired Skills and Personal Qualities

Essential

• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Basic IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to follow instructions, procedures and laboratory methods accurately.
• Ability to keep accurate records and data.
• Reliable, punctual and well organised.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and curiosity to understand how products and processes work.
• Able to work safely and follow laboratory procedures.

Important

• Excellent colour vision is essential due to the visual colour assessment requirements of the role.

Desirable

• Interest in chemistry, materials science, plastics, polymers, coatings, colour technology or manufacturing.
• Previous experience in a laboratory, manufacturing or technical environment.
• Experience using laboratory equipment or carrying out practical scientific experiments.
• Interest in product development and innovation.

About the employer

Prisma Colour Limited is a leading global supplier of colour concentrates and additives to the thermoplastics, rubber, silicone and surface coatings industries, supplying customers in over 55 countries worldwide.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Polymer processing technician (level 3), Engineering and manufacturing
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: THE S&A TRANSFORM GROUP LIMITED
• Expected duration: 3 Years
• Hours: 37.5 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm.

37.5 hours per week.

Paid overtime opportunities may be available once fully trained.

• Start date: 13 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £15,600 to £24,784.50 a year