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Science Higher Apprenticeship - Chemistry

Employer
Thames Water
Location
Reading
Salary
Starting salary will be £16,800
Closing date
13 Jun 2019

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Sector
Analytical, Chemistry, Physical, Research
Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time

Job Details

Science Higher Apprenticeship - Chemistry

Vacancy type      -       Apprentice

Business area    -       Chemistry

Location             -        Reading

Intake year         -        2019

Region               -        Reading

 

Description

Apprenticeships with us.

Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry.

Please note the minimum requirements for this role are: 5 GCSE’s grade C or above and 2 A Levels, Grade C or above (or predicted grades) including Chemistry. If you already have a degree in a science related programme, you are unfortunately not eligible for this programme.

What is the purpose of the role?

We are passionate about providing a quality service to our customers. Joining our science team you’ll undergo a formal Level 6 apprenticeship in chemistry through workplace learning. You’ll work towards becoming a Laboratory Analyst or Research Scientist at the end of the programme, where we’ll continue to grow and develop you into our next generation of leaders. You’ll study for a degree in chemistry by day release at the University of Greenwich.
 

What makes this role unique?

This is a great opportunity for anybody with a passion for science, looking to start a career in the Water Industry. It’s a chance to work towards a degree while gaining practical experience in an analytical laboratory or scientific environment, earning while you learn. You’ll get hands on experience 4 days a week and spend 1 day at Greenwich University a week gaining the theoretical background to your degree.

Continuously striving for excellence, we are giving you the chance to join a leading water organisation who supply an essential service to our 9 million drinking water customers and 14 million wastewater customers. We carry out over 2 million tests a year, through our labs in Reading. This essential service continues to be, challenged by population growth, climate change and new legislation. We want to grow and develop our apprentices into our next generation of leaders, giving you a clear career path and commitment to your profession as a Water Industry Scientist. 


What will this role involve?

We have four vacancies on our apprenticeship.

You may have a preference to be based in our labs in Reading, Berkshire. Here you’ll be part of our chemistry team. You’ll get hands-on experience in the preparation and analysis of samples, for the determination of chemical parameters.

You’ll be using the latest technology in the field of analytical chemistry, including; Agilent GC & LC-MS, Thermo ICP-OES, Perkin Elmer ICP-MS, Skalar automation for physical chemistry analysis and Thermo Aquakem nutrient analysers. You’ll maintain and monitor method performance and system suitability and conduct trend analysis to identify and proactively address issues, minimising repeat analysis.

Alternatively you may be based in our Research & Development (R&D) team. This long established team comprises of engineers and scientists carrying our vital research and testing to futureproof our business. This team is full of curious minds who have a desire to understand the “Why”. As part of the team here you’ll need to have a similar mindset, an interest in testing and analysis and a keen eye from problem solving and discovering solutions.

This team has roles available in Reading and Kempton and you’ll get the most from your work here is you’re happy to visit a variety of sites and gain experience of multiple processes. There’s plenty to get involved in here including process modelling of various water and waste treatment processes at a variety of scales; supporting our process operating equipment, shadowing and taking part in our sampling processes, data analysis, development of solutions and technology and processing of health and safety checks as part of these processes.

In both areas you’ll develop a good understanding of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, Environment Agency & UKAS requirements. Ensuring that the service is delivered to time, cost and quality standards, whilst providing excellent customer service to everyone involved. The learning curve will be challenging and you’ll be given the opportunity to develop and grow throughout the apprenticeship.

 

What are we looking for?

Entry requirements for this Level 5 qualification are 5 GCSE’s grade C or above and 2 A Levels, Grade C or above (or predicted grades) to include Chemistry. A BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science will also be acceptable if you have not completed A-Levels. Please note that if you already have a scientific degree you will not be eligible for this apprenticeship.

While qualifications are important, it’s also essential you have a passion for science and the drive and motivation to manage your learning and working life. You’ll need to be incredibly well organised, have excellent time management skills and the determination to succeed.  You’ll have great team working skills but also be able to work independently, putting customers at the heart of everything you do.  You’ll be a champion for Health & Safety within the work place for both you and your colleagues, helping us maintain our great reputation. If you have a preference to work in the R&D team, a driving license is preferable.
 

Thames Water information and salary details

This role is based in our labs in Reading, in the chemistry department. The starting salary will be £16,800 with studies funded by Thames Water. You’ll also receive 24 days holiday, pension and other benefits. Travel costs are covered for travel to and from your university studies.

Company

We're the UK's largest water and wastewater company, taking care of water for 15 million people.

Company info
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