
Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Wieland Metals
Job Description
Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Wieland Metals
Department: Science Apprenticeship - Materials L3
Employment Type: Apprentice
Location: Birmingham
Compensation: £16,640 - £26,437 / year
Description
Location: Wharf St, Aston, Birmingham B6 5SA
Expected Start Date: ASAP
Working for Wieland Metals
Wieland Metals Birmingham is part of the global Wieland Group and is a production site for rolled products, using advanced casting and rolling equipment to supply high-performance copper alloys and small-batch materials. The site combines modern manufacturing technology with a strong focus on quality, consistency and reliability.
- Starting Salary: £16,640 per year
- Annual Leave: 25 days plus bank holidays
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week (8 hours per day)
- Generous sick pay scheme
- Salary sacrifice pension scheme
- Regular pay increases based on performance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Regular training and CPD opportunities
Key Responsibilities
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a future career in materials testing and laboratory operations, offering opportunities to develop a broad range of practical and technical skills in a supportive environment:
- Learn how to prepare material samples for metallographic examination and assess microstructures against specifications and standards.
- Gain experience carrying out hardness testing, tensile testing and other laboratory tests on materials and finished products.
- Learn how chemical analysis is performed using specialist equipment, including XRF and OES spectrometry.
- Learn how routine solution checks are carried out to monitor and maintain manufacturing processes.
- Develop practical skills using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers and verniers, while carrying out calibration checks.
- Gain experience supporting quality engineering activities, including additional product checks and stress-free shearing tests.
- Learn how to use handheld XRF equipment and other specialist testing tools.
- Carry out water testing and support routine laboratory activities.
- Use Microsoft Office and other business systems to record results, generate reports and extract data.
- Support daily laboratory housekeeping, equipment checks, record retention and archiving activities while maintaining a safe and organised working environment.
About You
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
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?
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.