HSE and Laboratory Apprentice

This apprenticeship offers the opportunity to learn and build foundational skills in Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) and laboratory operations. Working under close supervision, the apprentice will support Puraffinity in maintaining a safe, compliant and well-organised working environment across laboratory and operational activities.

What you will do

Health & Safety

• Promote a positive H&S culture, follow safe working practices and raise concerns
• Support maintenance of HSE systems and compliance documentation
• Carry out routine checks of HSE equipment and first aid provisions, reporting issues
• Assist with site inspections, audits and risk assessments
• Help record incidents and near-misses, supporting investigations and corrective actions
• Support administration of mandatory employee training, tracking completion and reminders
• Prepare HSE briefings, notices and safety communications
• Maintain accurate statutory and HSE records
• Assist with environmental activities, including waste segregation, records and monitoring
• Gather information and data for HSE performance updates

Lab Administration

• Maintain consumable stock records and lab inventory, raising orders as directed
• Support the chemical inventory system and compliance records
• Prepare analytical samples for dispatch and complete shipment paperwork under supervision
• Carry out laboratory housekeeping to keep workspaces clean, safe and organised
• Share ideas and observations for improving lab safety and working practices
• Undertake basic laboratory tasks once trained and deemed competent

Learning & Development

• Work towards a relevant apprenticeship qualification (e.g. Level 3 Safety, Health & Environment Technician or Laboratory Technician), completing training and assessments on time
• Build knowledge of HSE legislation, laboratory safety and best practice through training and shadowing
• Meet regularly with your line manager to review progress, receive feedback and agree objectives

Experience/Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) Grade 4/C or above, including English, Maths and Science
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• Comfortable asking questions and seeking guidance
• Willingness to learn and a strong interest in health & safety and laboratory/science work

Desired

• Exposure to a laboratory, science or workplace safety environment through education or work experience
• Basic IT skills, including Word, Excel and Outlook
• First Aid qualification (training can be provided)

Behaviours

• Collaboration & Team First: Works closely with the Laboratory Team Lead and wider teams, seeking guidance and contributing to shared goals
• Take Initiative: Engages fully with tasks, follows procedures and raises concerns or improvement ideas
• Empathy: Respects experienced colleagues, listens to feedback and applies learning
• Adaptability & Learning: Embraces new tasks and balances workplace responsibilities with apprenticeship study
• Judgement & Problem-Solving: Follows procedures to resolve routine issues and escalates concerns appropriately
• Planning & Delivery: Completes tasks reliably and on time, keeping managers informed and seeking support when required
• Safety First: Follows all safety rules, risk assessments and safe systems of work, uses correct PPE and reports hazards, incidents and near-misses promptly

Training

Alongside on-the-job learning, the apprentice will work towards a recognised apprenticeship qualification. They will build practical experience by following defined procedures, completing routine tasks reliably and learning from experienced colleagues across laboratory, technical and operational teams.

SR Apprenticeships is a leading national training provider delivering Apprenticeship programmes throughout the UK.

After the apprenticeship

The potential to grow within the business.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade C/4/Pass)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade C/4/Pass)
• Essential: GCSE, Science (grade C/4/Pass)

Benefits

• Vitality health/dental insurance
• Life assurance (3x salary)
• Unlimited 1:1 coaching via MoreHappi
• Pension scheme with Royal London - you choose: You contribute 3% and we'll contribute 5% or you contribute 4% and we'll contribute 7.5% auto-enrolment starts from day 1
• Free lunch (up to £7 day) when onsite at Scale Space + healthy snacks and fresh fruit
• Regular socials and company fun days

About the employer

Puraffinity is a London-based materials science company developing advanced adsorbent materials to remove PFAS, often called “forever chemicals”, from water. We bring together scientists, engineers and business specialists to translate research into practical solutions for water treatment.

Our work spans chemistry, analytical testing, product development, process scale-up and application engineering. As we move from research towards production and commercialisation, our team tackles challenges that connect laboratory discoveries with real-world applications.

Our four values guide how we work: Collaboration – Team First, Empathy, Taking Initiative and Adaptability. We aim to share knowledge, support one another and consider how our decisions affect others. We encourage people to take ownership, contribute ideas and respond thoughtfully as priorities and challenges evolve. are important to the workplace we want to build. We value different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, and aim to create an environment where people feel respected, heard and able to contribute. Our ambition is to make opportunities accessible and support colleagues to develop and succeed.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Safety, health and environment technician (level 3), Protective services
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: SR APPRENTICESHIPS LIMITED
• Expected duration: 2 Years
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Full-time. Monday-Friday 09:00-18:00 1-hour unpaid lunch break.
• Start date: 24 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £24,000 a year