The posting
Location: Unit H6, Felling Business Centre, Green Ln, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 0QH
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Working for Arrow Test Limited
Arrow Test Limited is a specialist construction materials testing company providing laboratory and on-site testing services to the highways and civil engineering industries.
We work with major contractors on infrastructure projects, testing materials such as asphalt, aggregates and concrete to ensure they meet the required specifications and quality standards.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our team as an Apprentice Construction Materials Technician, combining practical workplace experience with a Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.
The Package
- Starting salary of £20,800 - £22,880 per year
- Paid annual leave
- Workings hours are 40 hours per week
- Overtime available (Weekend and Night Shift pay uplift)
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
Working Hours and Night Shifts
Construction materials testing frequently takes place outside normal working hours, particularly during highway resurfacing and maintenance operations.
This position therefore requires flexibility, including regular night shifts.
Working patterns will vary depending on project requirements, with appropriate notice provided wherever possible.
All working arrangements will comply with applicable working time legislation, including restrictions on night work for employees under 18.
Apprenticeship training and off-the-job learning will be incorporated into the working schedule.
Key Responsibilities
This is a hands-on technical position involving a combination of laboratory testing and site-based work.
The successful candidate will work alongside experienced technicians, learning how to carry out construction materials testing, operate specialist equipment, record and interpret results, and work safely in laboratory and construction environments.
An important part of this role involves working night shifts on highways construction projects. Applicants must be willing to work flexible hours, including nights, early mornings and occasional weekends.
Site Testing
- Assist with materials testing on highways and civil engineering projects.
- Undertake asphalt density measurements using specialist testing equipment.
- Assist with asphalt sampling and temperature measurements.
- Carry out surface regularity testing using rolling straight edge equipment.
- Assist with plate load testing and other site investigations.
- Record test results accurately and communicate findings to supervisors.
- Follow site-specific health and safety procedures.
Laboratory Testing
- Prepare and test asphalt, aggregate and concrete samples.
- Assist with particle size distribution testing and aggregate grading.
- Undertake asphalt density and binder content testing.
- Prepare samples and operate specialist laboratory equipment.
- Maintain accurate testing records and worksheets.
- Assist with equipment maintenance, calibration and verification checks.
- Maintain a clean, safe and organised laboratory.
Quality and Technical Development
- Follow documented testing methods and relevant British and European Standards.
- Develop an understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 and UKAS-accredited testing.
- Use digital systems to record, process and report test results.
- Learn to interpret test results and identify potential issues.
- Work towards independently carrying out testing activities following training and competency assessment.
About You
You’re someone who enjoys being out on site and part of real-world projects, rather than sitting behind a desk. Working outdoors, travelling between locations, and being involved in construction environments appeals to you - you like seeing how things are built and playing a role in making sure they’re done properly.
You’re practical, reliable, and detail-focused. You take pride in following procedures accurately, whether that’s measuring materials, carrying out tests, or recording results. You understand that quality and safety matter, especially in a busy site environment, and you’re comfortable working to clear standards and deadlines without cutting corners.
You learn best by doing and enjoy hands-on work using equipment and tools. You’re confident with basic maths and recording data, and you stay calm and focused even when working around machinery or in fast-paced environments. You’re happy working independently once trained, but also communicate clearly with site teams to ensure work is completed safely and correctly.
You’re motivated by being part of something tangible - contributing to projects like roads, buildings, and infrastructure - and you’re keen to build a long-term career in the construction or materials testing industry.
Please note: You must be 18+ due to the nature of the working environment and have (or be willing to work towards) a full UK manual driving licence.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
✔️ Be 18 or over ✔️ Not be in full-time education ✔️ Have lived 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.
So how does the apprenticeship work?
Start your career as a materials technician and gain hands-on experience supporting real testing and analysis in a laboratory or technical environment.
As part of this Level 3 Materials Technician apprenticeship, you’ll learn how to carry out tests, analyse data, and contribute to important projects, whether that’s in a laboratory or a more practical, site-based environment.
👉 Learn more about the programme here.
Over 20 months, you’ll combine day-to-day experience in your role with structured training delivered by expert tutors at Tiro. Our blended learning approach includes a mix of online sessions, in-person training, and hands-on support, alongside guidance from a dedicated mentor in the workplace.
You’ll spend at least 6 hours per week on off-the-job training, including virtual learning, practical activities, and applied assignments.
What your training will look like:
You’ll follow a structured programme combining live sessions, online learning, and hands-on workplace training to build your skills step by step.
What could your future look like?
This apprenticeship will help you build the skills and experience needed to start your career as a materials technician and progress within the industry.
Through hands-on training, you’ll develop the competence and confidence to carry out laboratory testing and take on increasing responsibility in your role. This programme can also lead to professional recognition, such as becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).
You’ll gain experience that’s valued across a wide range of technical and scientific roles, opening up opportunities to grow and specialise in your chosen field.
If you choose to continue your development, you may also have the opportunity to progress onto higher-level qualifications, such as degree apprenticeships in Materials or Chemistry.
