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Description

Location: Hulland Ward, Ashbourne, Derby, DE6 3ET

Start Date: September 2026

Working for Holcim
 
Holcim are leaders in supplying innovative, sustainable building solutions to the UK construction industry; building progress for people and the planet.

Since 1858, Holcim have helped shape the UK; powering the construction of homes and hospitals, roads and railways, schools and cities alike.

The mission is to make sustainable construction a reality, through purposeful action that tackles real carbon and climate challenges. Holcim are dedicated to helping Britain grow and thrive – by doing the right thing, doing it together, and making a difference.

The Package
  • Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable), plus bonus
  • 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (with options to increase)
  • 40 hours per week 
  • Monday to Friday (variable shift pattern)
  • Saturday required but very infrequently
  • Access to site vehicle (Manual operated)
  • Enhanced family benefits, including maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
  • Free 24/7 remote GP service for you and your household

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

This is a fantastic opportunity to start your career in a hands on Technical Apprenticeship within our Materials Laboratory team. 

You’ll be based on site, working alongside experienced technicians who will support you as you learn how to sample, test and report on the quality of our sand, aggregates and bituminous products. 

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys practical work, problem solving and being part of a team that plays a key role in the products that shape our roads, buildings and communities. 

You will gain real industry experience, a recognised qualification and the chance to build a long term career in a growing and innovative sector.
  • In this role, you will play an important part in making sure the materials we produce meet the highest quality and safety standards. 
  • You’ll learn how to work safely in a laboratory environment, follow clear testing procedures and understand how our products are used across major construction projects.
  • You will get hands on experience taking samples, carrying out tests on materials like sand, aggregates and bituminous products, and recording results using our laboratory systems.
  • You will also learn how to spot and report any issues, help investigate early product concerns and support the team in keeping equipment well maintained and calibrated.
  • You’ll work closely with experienced technicians who will coach you as you build your knowledge, develop your technical skills and start providing support to colleagues and customers.

What could the future look like?
 
When you join Holcim, the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.

Through practical, on-the-job training, you will develop new skills and gain the competence and responsibility required for materials testing and analysis. This apprenticeship serves as a stepping stone towards a rewarding career in materials science, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science Technician (RSci Tech).

This programme opens up a variety of career pathways across industries including construction materials, civil engineering, geotechnical investigation, environmental consultancy, and infrastructure development, ensuring your materials science skills are in demand across multiple sectors.

This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement. You may choose to pursue higher-level qualifications through one of our Degree Apprenticeships such as a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Materials Science. 

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

About You

You will enjoy working in a practical environment and have a keen eye for detail, with a natural curiosity about how things work. 

You will be willing to learn, confident in asking questions, and take pride in following processes accurately and safely. 

You will also be comfortable using technology as part of your day-to-day work, and, most importantly, you will be motivated, reliable, and ready to develop your skills and knowledge. 


Please note: due to nature of the role, a manual driving license and access to your own car is required.

Experience
We value attitude, curiosity, and commitment just as much as past experience. While previous experience can be helpful, it’s not essential — we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those with a genuine interest in the field and the motivation to build a career.

You might be a school or college leaver, or someone looking to retrain. Either way, if you’re enthusiastic, proactive, and ready to learn, you’ll fit right in.

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! 

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 18 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 Materials Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at Holcim 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!

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.

As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.   

If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.

 
You’ll need to be over 16, 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 here and we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you. 
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. 

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