The posting
Location: Sizewell C, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4UR
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Working for CWA
The Civil Works Alliance (CWA) is responsible for delivering some of the largest and most complex elements of the Sizewell C project, bringing together leading organisations from across the construction and engineering sectors. Working collaboratively, the alliance is helping to deliver the infrastructure required for one of the UK's most significant energy projects.
Sizewell C is a new nuclear power station being built on the Suffolk coast. Once operational, it will generate enough low-carbon electricity to power around 6 million homes and support the UK's transition to a more sustainable energy future. As a nationally significant infrastructure project, Sizewell C will create thousands of jobs and provide opportunities for the next generation of skilled professionals to develop their careers while contributing to a project that will have a lasting impact on the UK.
The Package
- Starting salary of National Minimum Wage (depending on age and experience)
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Monday to Friday
- Shift work and overtime may be required
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
Key Responsibilities
Are you ready to kickstart your career in one of the most exciting projects in the UK? As a Construction Materials Technician Apprentice , you'll be part of a team delivering Sizewell C, a landmark nuclear power station that will power millions of homes with clean energy. This apprenticeship is your chance to learn, grow, and make a real impact while gaining hands-on experience in materials science and quality assurance.
In this role, you will:
- Work alongside experts to test construction materials like concrete, aggregates, and cement, ensuring they meet the high standards required for a nuclear project.
- Help bring materials testing into the 21st century by using new technologies, such as automated processes and digital reporting systems.
- Support the team in maintaining the UKAS accreditation of the laboratory, which means following strict quality and safety standards.
- Travel to site locations to collect materials and conduct tests, giving you the chance to experience both laboratory and fieldwork .
- Develop skills in non-destructive testing (NDT) and other advanced techniques, setting you up for a rewarding career in materials science.
- Complete a 21-month Level 3 Apprenticeship, with the opportunity to progress to higher qualifications, such as a Degree Apprenticeship in Applied Materials Science .
This apprenticeship is perfect for someone who is curious, eager to learn, and ready to take on new challenges . No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to work hard and grow!
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 a full UK manual driving licence is required for this role.
Apprenticeship Eligibility
To apply for this apprenticeship, you must:
✔️ Be 16 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.
