Apprentice Quality Control Assistant

Introduction

Quality control role involving laboratory sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You’ll provide technical support to ensure the laboratory operates effectively while following procedures and health and safety guidelines. You’ll also receive one-to-one coaching and support from a dedicated mentor.

About the Employer

We develop, manufacture, apply and supply specialty chemical-based concepts, technology and service for the pulp and paper industry’s products and processes. In the UK we work extensively with the tissue industry, supplying both tissue manufacturers and tissue conversion customers. 

BIM was founded in 1973 in Sweden by Peter Wållberg and is today an international family entrepreneurial group, owned by the Wållberg family.

People

BIM has approx. 220 employees worldwide.

Research & development

BIM is a research intensive enterprise. Spending approx. 8 - 12% of sales on R & D, In terms of R&D spend the company in the same league as large pharmaceutical producers.

Head office in Sweden

The head office is in Stenkullen, near Göteborg, Sweden, where you also find central R&D, customer service lab and one of our 5 production centres.

Local operations

BIM has local sales operations in Sweden, Norway, Finland, England, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Portugal, France, South Africa and agents and distributors in most other pulp and papermaking countries.

Company culture

We are devoted to the “BIM Spirit”, a company culture based on commitment, hard work, innovation and customer intimacy.

What You'll Do

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Quality Control position with BIM UK LTD Responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide all the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.

The individual will be working within a laboratory environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures and personal hygiene standards during testing activities (e.g. correct use of PPE such as laboratory coats and glasses; and removal of all jewellery and make-up upon entry into controlled clean room areas).

Once trained on specific tasks, the role will involve working on your own initiative at times.  There may also be a requirement to take samples from the production facility and working on the pilot plant. Working on all aspects of the laboratory function including Quality Control and Development will be required. This will involve routine tasks

Typical work activities:

Tasks typically involve:

• performing laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support production activities.
• carrying out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
• preparing samples. 
• maintaining and operating a wide variety of analytical equipment.
• supporting on plant, in process testing.
• ensuring the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
• maintain good accurate written records of work carried out.
• recording and interpreting results to support production and ensure compliance.
• using computers and performing mathematical calculations for the determination and presentation of results.
• keeping up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
• conducting searches on relevant topics.
• maintaining compliance with Management Systems.
• following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks.
• to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner.

Training Outcome

Apprentice leading to permanent role.

The progression route can be to the technical team and into other aspects of the business, including operations or sales.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4 and above
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4 and above
• Desired - A Level - Chemistry - C and above
• Desired - A Level - Maths - C and above
• Desired - A Level - Physics - C and above

Course Information

Course: Laboratory technician (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Mon-Friday 8am or 8.30am start 37.5hours Overtime paid. Shifts TBC.

Expected Duration: 2 Years

Training Provider: COGENT SSC LIMITED