The Oxford Academy seeks an Apprentice Science Laboratory Technician who will be taught how to exercise oversight of the day-to-day reliable operations within the preparation laboratory.  This role is vital to support classroom activities in the science subjects, working within our multidisciplinary Science Department and under the direction of the Senior Science Technician. Apprentice will work alongside a mentor in our school laboratories.

The apprenticeship is planned for a duration period of 24 months, depending on the program.

Through the training provider, CSR Scientific Training, you will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship which will include: 

•  Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician 

•  On-the-job competency training 

•  Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science

•  The majority of your learning will be completed online once a week with some face-to-face practical sessions/exams in Sutton Coldfield.

• To carry out Laboratory Investigations and sample processing, issuing reports without delay on completion.
• To carry out, as instructed, Laboratory investigations, sample processing, functional testing, corrective actions, conversion procedure testing or other laboratory duties as required, maintaining rapid turnaround for allocated tasks.
• Using due care to ensure precision, analyse samples for student process or quality control purposes and record the data in accordance with school requirements.
• To maintain a clean, safe and tidy workstation and other area of responsibility at all times, suitable for the presence of visitors in the laboratory.
• To maintain records of analytical data, special instructions requested with samples, actions carried out on samples etc. in accordance with Codes of Practice.
• To participate in training activities to improve knowledge of all matters relating to the control, use and applications of TOA processes and laboratory instrumentation both to TOA students and staff.
• To maintain awareness of the hazards associated with materials in use in the laboratory and take due precautions.
• To dispose of waste chemistry using the waste disposal facilities provided when authorised by the Laboratory Technician in compliance with current working instructions.
• Report any laboratory systems problems that may compromise analysis speed or customer satisfaction to the Laboratory Technician/ Operations Manager. 
• To maintain analysis records on worksheets etc. in an up-to-date condition at all times.
• To control individual specialist areas with the highest level of commitment always achieving 100% customer satisfaction for all accounts.
• To carry out duties in a safe manner that ensures not just your own health and safety, but also that of colleagues, and students.

Skills and knowledge:

• knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals 
• the ability to work well with your hands 
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
• the ability to use your initiative 
• the ability to work well with others 
• administration skills 
• maths knowledge 
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

The Oxford Academy may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

For further information about The Oxford Academy please visit the school's website.

You will be someone who has high expectations of themselves and others, and  someone thoroughly committed to making a difference to students’ lives.

Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.

OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together.

OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils.

OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive  continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children. 

The River Learning Trust and The Oxford Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism.  All staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people.  The River Learning Trust are required to conduct online searches about you as part of their shortlisting process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance in order to identify any incidents or concerns which are publicly available online.  By applying for this role, you acknowledge that such searches will be conducted as part of the shortlisting process. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check  Employment will also be conditional on the receipt of at least two acceptable references (one from current/latest employer) and evidence of the formal qualifications required for the role. The River Learning Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from a range of backgrounds to represent diversity in line with our schools’ community. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. You should contact the school if you are unsure if this role includes regulated activity relevant to children.

For all RLT Safer Recruitment Documentation candidates should click on the following link RLT Safer Recruitment Documents for Candidates 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. For further guidance for applicants click on the this link List of offences that are not filtered

Our staff are expected to maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school, by not undermining fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.