Construction Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Holcim

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3

Employment Type: Apprentice

Location: Somerset

Compensation: £18,500 / year

Description

Location: Colemans Quarry, Frome, Somerset, BA11 4PX


Working for Holcim UK 
 
Holcim UK is a leading provider of sustainable building materials and construction solutions, operating across over 200 sites with more than 4,000 employees. As part of the global Holcim Group—active in over 70 countries—they offer a wide range of products including aggregates, ready-mix concrete, cement, and asphalt. 

In 2025, Holcim UK brought together several well-known brands under one name to strengthen their focus on innovation, customer service, and sustainability. They are committed to building a greener future by developing low-carbon products and promoting circular construction practices, helping to shape the UK’s infrastructure responsibly and sustainably. 

The Package

• Starting salary of £18,500 per year (increasing to National Minimum/Living wage after 12 months if applicable) 
• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays 
• 40 hours per week 
• Monday to Friday (variable shift pattern)
• Saturday required but very infrequently
• Access to site vehicle (Manual operated)
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

What will I be doing as an apprentice?

As an Construction Materials Technician apprentice you’ll be working in a laboratory but not as you know it! Be prepared to get mucky as you get to know your materials. This won’t be a sterile environment and requires someone who’s not afraid to get stuck in. Working alongside some of our existing apprentices and fellow peers, you won’t be alone. You’ll be supported and guided, learning on the job as you go, by a team of other apprentices and experienced materials technicians. Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.  As a member of the Holcim laboratory team, you’ll push construction materials to their limits ensuring that they’re safe and reliable to use. These materials will need to exist for many years to come without expensive maintenance, without damaging the structure and without endangering human life.  

No two days are ever the same with Aggregate Industries. You’ll not only spend time between testing on site and testing in the lab, but you’ll also visit and work at several locations nearby – a great opportunity to meet others to aid professional progression and skill sharing. What you’ll be doing: 

• Working alongside other team members, testing the properties of construction materials including concrete, aggregates, and asphalt. 
• Improving the performance of existing products, to eliminate faults with materials already in use. 
• Helping bring materials testing in the 21st century using new technologies (e.g. Switching over to automated processes, new ergonomic equipment or even new recording and reporting systems.) 
• Developing an understanding, knowledge and practical methods used to examine materials, including non-destructive testing (NDT).  
• Following testing methods to ensure safety and quality and to support the lab in maintaining its accreditation to operate.  
• Travelling to and from sites, collecting materials to be tested. 

Through training and development provided, you’ll work towards excellence in the following areas: 

• Undertake 21-month apprenticeship to Level 3.
• Ensure all work is undertaken safely in accordance with required processes.
• Undertake testing of materials including aggregates, concrete, and asphalt in accordance with required standards, in the laboratory and on construction sites.
• Comply with the high standards of work required by the Quality Management Systems to required deadlines.
• Maintain equipment to required standards as required by the Laboratory Manager.
• Proactively communicate with senior staff to ensure effective communication.
• Attend training courses and assessments as required by the apprenticeship standard and maintaining training records.

What could the future look like?  After completing your Level 3 apprenticeship there are many pathways available to you at Holcim and beyond. Here are some examples of how your career may progress:  

• Level 4/5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship   
• Senior technician (Average salary £29,015/year) 
• Materials Engineer (Average salary £34,565/year)
• Laboratory Manager (Average salary £38