Apprenticeship - Assistant Scientist

Swansea, United Kingdom | Posted on 16/07/2026

This is a Level 4 apprenticeship opportunity within the Natural Resources Analysis Services Wales (NRS) team. During your apprenticeship, you will combine academic study with practical experience in a professional laboratory environment, developing the knowledge, skills and behaviors required for a successful career in analytical science.

Working from the NRW laboratory at Swansea University, you will spend time working across all three Analytical Services departments:
Service Delivery, Inorganic and Organic. This method of rotation between each will provide a broad experience of laboratory operations, analytical techniques and quality processes, helping you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the services provided by an accredited environmental laboratory.

You will be accountable to the Organic Team Leader, who will support your development throughout the apprenticeship and co-ordinate your placements across the different departments. Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will contribute to providing accurate, reliable and timely analytical results that support NRW's environmental and regulatory monitoring responsibilities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to develop practical scientific skills, while contributing to work that helps protect and improve Wales' natural resources.

Interviews will be face to face on 10/08/2026 (location details will be shared in advance)

The Natural Resources Wales Analytical Services laboratory is based at Swansea University and provides high quality analytical testing services that support environmental monitoring, regulation and evidence gathering across Wales.

The laboratory consists of three specialist departments:
Providing Services, Inorganic and Organic. Together, these teams provide accurate and reliable analytical data that informs environmental decision-making and helps protect Wales' natural resources.

• Support the Analysis Services teams with day-to-day laboratory activities that contribute to the provision of accurate, reliable and timely analysis services.
• Apply what you learned during your apprenticeship in real laboratory settings, gaining experience in areas such as sample preparation, use of analytical equipment and techniques, and assisting with routine laboratory tasks under appropriate supervision.
• Develop effective working relationships with colleagues across the Service Delivery, Inorganic and Organic teams, contributing positively to team objectives and supporting the smooth operation of the laboratory.
• Support laboratory administrative activities, including accurate data entry, maintaining documentation, and using laboratory information systems and ICT in accordance with established procedures.
• Help the laboratory meet health, safety and quality standards by following procedures, working safely, identifying problems and reporting concerns to experienced staff.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the position.
• Being committed to your own development and making effective use of your personal development plan (known as the Conversation)
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

In your application and interview, you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

• At least five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and Science.
• A relevant Level 3 science qualification, such as a BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Certificate in Applied Science, or A Levels / AS Levels in science related subjects.
• Basic ICT skills to record data, maintain documentation and support laboratory processes.
• Sufficient literacy and numeracy skills to record results correctly and follow written procedures.
• Awareness of laboratory environments and interest in developing technical skills within the context of analytical science.

Note :
If you do not meet the A1 requirements, ie the ability to understand basic sentences and pronounce Welsh names correctly, NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to…