Wieland Metals Birmingham is part of the global Wieland Group and is a production site for rolled products, using advanced casting and rolling equipment to supply high-performance copper alloys and small-batch materials. The site combines modern manufacturing technology with a strong focus on quality, consistency and reliability.
As a Materials Technican Apprentice, you'll see materials at different stages of the process, from start to finish. By carrying out testing, inspections and quality checks, you'll help ensure materials meet the required standards before they are supplied to customers, playing an important role in maintaining quality throughout.
Working Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours per day)
Benefits include:
Generous sick pay scheme
Salary sacrifice pension scheme
Regular pay increases based on performance
Employee Assistance Programme
Regular training and CPD opportunities
Key Responsibilities
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a Materials Technician Apprentice to join the team, supporting day-to-day laboratory activities and learning how materials are tested, analysed and assessed to ensure they meet quality and performance standards.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in materials testing and laboratory operations, offering opportunities to develop a broad range of practical and technical skills in a supportive environment:
Learn how to prepare material samples for metallographic examination and assess microstructures against specifications and standards.
Gain experience carrying out hardness testing, tensile testing and other laboratory tests on materials and finished products.
Learn how chemical analysis is performed using specialist equipment, including XRF and OES spectrometry.
Learn how routine solution checks are carried out to monitor and maintain manufacturing processes.
Develop practical skills using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers and verniers, while carrying out calibration checks.
Gain experience supporting quality engineering activities, including additional product checks and stress-free shearing tests.
Learn how to use handheld XRF equipment and other specialist testing tools.
Carry out water testing and support routine laboratory activities.
Use Microsoft Office and other business systems to record results, generate reports and extract data.
Support daily laboratory housekeeping, equipment checks, record retention and archiving activities while maintaining a safe and organised working environment.
About You
You’re naturally curious about how materials behave and enjoy understanding why they perform the way they do, not just following instructions. You take pride in getting things right, paying close attention to detail, and producing accurate, reliable results. Whether you’ve explored science before or are just starting out, you’re motivated to build real knowledge and develop a long-term career in a materials testing laboratory.
You’re proactive in your approach and enjoy getting involved, asking questions and learning new things. You're interested in understanding how different parts of the business work together and would be comfortable dipping into various aspects of the role, whether that's laboratory work, office-based tasks or supporting wider team activities.
You work in a calm and organised way, take safety and quality standards seriously, and understand the importance of accuracy and consistency. You’re just as comfortable working independently as you are communicating with colleagues across the business. Most importantly, you’re keen to learn, develop your skills and build a long-term career within materials testing and laboratory operations.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
✔️ Be 16 or over ✔️ Not be in full-time education ✔️ Havelived in the UK for at least 3 years ✔️ Have the right to work in the UK
Apprenticeships are designed to provide new knowledge, skills and behaviours, so applicants should not already hold a Level 3, degree or higher qualification in a closely related subject, or have significant experience in the same field.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the criteria, we’d still love to hear from you - get in touch and we can advise you further.
