Laboratory Technician Apprentice

  • Company: Specialist Microwave Solutions Ltd
  • Location: Cranfield, MK43 0AZ
  • Type: Apprenticeship
  • Salary: £16,224.00 per year
  • Sector: Mechanical Engineering
  • Ref: VAC-14423
  • Application Deadline Date: 12/06/2026
  • Start Date: 13/07/2026
  • Positions Available: 1
  • Working Week: Monday - Thursday 8-6pm & Friday 8-1pm

Brief Description

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity within the the engineering and manufacturing world? If you are, then look no further!

Qualifications Required

To be considered for this role you will ideally need to have GCSE grades 4 or C in Maths and GCSE grades 3 or D in English or equivalent.
If you don't meet the entry requirements for this vacancy but are still interested in an apprenticeship, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeship Recruitment Team who can discuss this with you further - pmoodie@bedford.ac.uk or 01234 291747

Personal Qualities

Reliable
Motivated
Strong Work Ethic
Committed

Skills Required

Strong attention to detail
Highly organised
Problem solver
Critical thinker

Training to be Provided

Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship standard

Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths if required

Future Prospects

Advance from entry-level/assistant roles to Lead Technician, Lab Supervisor, or Laboratory Manager.

Vacancy Detail

Specialist Microwave Solutions Ltd (SMS Ltd) is a UK-based company in Cranfield, near Junction 13 of the M1 in Bedfordshire specialising in the design, manufacture, and support of advanced microwave components and subsystems for aerospace, defence, telecommunications, and industrial markets.

In this role you will be responsible for testing, instrument calibration, analysing, and documenting data to ensure products meet standards for the Aerospace and Defence Industry. The work requires focusing on precision, data recording, testing, investigation & repair.

Some experience soldering, working under a microscope, a good level of manual dexterity or working with small hand tools would be an asset.
The ability to read, interpret and precisely follow work instructions and technical documents is essential as is strong attention to detail. Set up instruments, record data and analyse results using specialized software and scientific instruments. Previous experience in a similar environment is preferred but not essential as full training will be given to the right candidate.

Previous experience in a similar environment is preferred but not essential as full training will be given to the right candidate.

Other Information

Please consider your transport links to get to both the employers location and the college.
Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team at Dunstable College, if they meet the initial criteria as part of the recruitment process.
Only Candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered.
Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.

Ready to start your adventure?