The posting
Location: Units 13 & 14a Valley Road Industrial Estate, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Working for Brookes Bell
Brookes Bell provides comprehensive services in the marine and energy world and lead the market in professional expertise and experience across the major maritime and scientific disciplines. We provide specialist advice on a wide range of inter-disciplinary areas including nautical services, marine and energy loss adjusting, metallurgy, inspection and non-destructive testing and marine engineering.
As part of continued business growth, we are looking for a hard-working individual to join the team at our Wirral based laboratory. This role will be within our metallurgical testing services team, but there will be opportunities to interact and work with our Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) teams too. We are a small unit and need someone who will be able to support our operations at various levels.
🔗 About The Lab at Brookes Bell
The Package
- Starting Salary of £26,227.50 per year
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm
- 22 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (with an additional day awarded for every year of service up to 25 days)
- Company Pension Scheme
- Health Cash Plan
- Death in Service Scheme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Electric Vehicle Car Lease Scheme
- Dental Cover
- Employee Helpline
- Eye Tests
- Employee Loans Policy
- Travel Season Ticket Loan Policy
- Subsidised Gym Membership – with PureGym
- Save as You Earn (SAYE)
- Share Incentive Plan (SIP)
For further details of any of the benefits listed above, please contact HR upon joining.
Key Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be expected to assist with the day to day operations involved in handling and preparation of metallic samples, including very large engineering items. This role includes routine technical and engineering tasks such as sample sectioning, preparation and machining, operating and maintaining equipment and routine equipment calibration operations. There is also scope for assisting with analysis and experimental procedures. The nature of our inspection services, with collaborative aspects of different departments, will mean on the job training of material science and opportunity to operate advanced analytical/NDT equipment may be required.
We are looking for a candidate who is interested in machining, heavy industry, metalwork or QA/testing services and the role would suit someone with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to a changing and varied work environment.
We are a small team (part of a bigger group), so the ability to be self-motivated and proactive is essential.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Managing the workshop.
- Sample handling, preparation, and testing.
- Assisting with metallurgical forensic investigations.
- Documenting samples and calibrating personal equipment and laboratory equipment.
- Operating equipment such as optical microscopes, chemical analysis equipment and mechanical test equipment.
- Travel to site as part of investigations.
- Admin tasks associated with the position.
- Any other adhoc duties which fall within the individual’s abilities.
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 someone who thrives in a structured setting. You like clarity, routine, and knowing what good looks like. Following standardised test methods, working with laboratory equipment, and carefully preparing samples and recording data feels satisfying rather than restrictive. You’re patient, focused, and comfortable repeating precise tasks because you understand that consistency and accuracy are essential for high-quality results.
You take safety, quality standards, and laboratory procedures seriously, and you approach your work with a calm, methodical mindset. You’re just as comfortable working independently as you are communicating clearly with colleagues, supervisors, and engineers. You’re motivated by analysing results, understanding why materials pass or fail, and progressing over time, building your skills step by step and becoming a trusted expert in materials testing.
Please note: Due to the nature of the role, candidates must be aged 18+ and a driving license with access to your own car (or learning to drive/planning to start learning) is preferred.
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.
