BYK Additives Ltd is one of the world’s leading suppliers in the field of additives and measuring instruments.
Additives are chemical substances which, when used in small quantities, improve product properties such as rheology, scratch resistance or surface gloss. Manufacturing processes are also optimized by the addition of additives.
The coatings, inks and plastics industries are among the main consumers of BYK Additives. They improve final product characteristics and production processes in other fields such as the oil & gas industry and manufacture of personal care, adhesive, sealant and construction products.
The site, at Moorfield Road, Widnes, has been the home of inorganic chemical manufacture, since 1923 and currently employs more than 100 people.
Today the company is the biggest division within the ALTANA Group (www.altana.com) and employs around 2,200 people worldwide.
The Package
Starting salary: £19,760 - £24,127 per year (National Minimum/Living Wage depending on age)
38 hours per week, Monday - Friday
25 days plus 8 bank holidays
Competitive Pension Scheme
Regular training and CPD opportunities
BYK offers a wide and varied range of assignments that support both personal and professional development, alongside a positive and collaborative working environment that encourages innovation and the sharing of ideas.
You will benefit from an open-minded culture that embraces new trends and ways of thinking, an attractive salary and benefits package, and individualised training and development opportunities. As a growing global organisation, BYK also provides long-term stability and excellent prospects for future career planning.
What will I be doing as a Quality Control Laboratory Technician degree apprentice?
The successful apprentice will be responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.
Typical work activities include:
Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
Perform laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific investigations and production processes.
Carry out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
Prepare samples.
Maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example viscometers, conductivity and pH meters.
Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
Maintain good accurate written records of work carried out.
Record and interpret results to present to senior colleagues.
Use computers and perform mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs.
Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research.
Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner.
Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology required for the sector & job role.
From day one you will be working with industry experts helping you to develop world class skills. You will work in an energised and supportive environment with a personal mentor and earn a competitive salary. What could the future look like?
There’s no limit to what you can achieve while working with BYK Additives. Their team is at the heart of what they do, and they are looking for someone who wants to play a key part in that long term.
This apprenticeship offers an exceptional platform for you to enhance your leadership skills and take on more significant responsibilities. As you progress, you'll find avenues to further develop your leadership acumen, fostering your ability to guide and inspire teams. Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior technician and management roles.
Furthermore, an exciting prospect within this role lies in the potential transition to the Research & Development department. This department specializes in conducting tailored in-house testing, presenting you with a unique chance to immerse yourself in cutting-edge processes and innovation.
Through ‘on-the-job’ training you’ll have the opportunity to learn new skills to provide competency and responsibility in carrying out testing and to help develop your career. At the end of your apprenticeship, you'll achieve a Bachelor of Science (BSci) in Applied Chemical Sciences.
What will you bring?
About you
We’re looking for someone who is focused, methodical, and results-driven, with strong attention to detail to accurately record data, identify potential issues, and follow established Quality Control laboratory procedures. You’ll be involved in both routine and non-routine chemical analysis, supporting investigations, and helping to maintain laboratory equipment to ensure reliable and consistent results.
You’ll have a good awareness of health, safety, and environmental requirements and be able to work in line with strict EHS and laboratory guidelines. Working closely with the Quality Control team, you’ll communicate clearly, ask questions when needed, and contribute positively to a collaborative lab environment. A genuine curiosity for chemistry and laboratory work, alongside a willingness to develop your technical and analytical skills through the degree apprenticeship, will be key to succeeding in the role.
Qualifications
For this position, you'll need to hold a Level 3 qualification (such as A Levels or equivalent) in Science or a relevant subject, including Maths, Engineering, or Physics.
Experience
Ideally, you will also have some laboratory experience, which can be gained through education or other practical work. However, we’re not just interested in experience. In our experience, the most successful apprentices are those who are curious about the sector, open about what they do and don’t yet know, considerate, self-reflective, and eager to learn the role quickly.
