Laboratory Technician Apprentice; Level 3 - Biffa

Department: Science Apprenticeship - Chemistry L3

Location: Birmingham

Compensation: £24,180 / year

Location: Potters Ln, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 7NR

Biffa is one of the UK’s leading waste management and recycling businesses, supporting households, local authorities and major organisations across the country. With over 100 years of history, the company plays a vital role in keeping the UK clean, safe and sustainable - from waste collection and recycling to innovative energy recovery solutions.

Biffa is focused on creating a greener future by reducing waste, improving recycling rates and driving the shift towards a more circular economy. Across all sites and services, Biffa invests in modern facilities, new technologies and the development of its people. As an apprentice joining Biffa, you’ll be part of a company where safety, teamwork and environmental responsibility are at the heart of everything they do.

You’ll gain experience in a real industrial setting while contributing to work that has a positive impact on communities and the environment.

To learn more about Biffa and explore their career pathways, visit their About Us and Careers pages:

🔗
About Biffa
🌐 Careers page

• Starting salary of £24,180 per year
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, between the hours of 7:00am - 5:00pm (depending on department)
• Company pension scheme
• Regular training and CPD opportunities

We are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to join Biffa
, supporting the safe operation of the on-site laboratory and gaining hands‑on experience in hazardous waste treatment, recycling processes, and environmental compliance.

This apprenticeship provides a structured pathway into the waste chemistry and specialist services sector, giving you exposure to laboratory work, site-based testing, legislation, analytical interpretation, and customer-facing technical support. It’s not your typical lab-only role — you’ll rotate across multiple departments, work both indoors and outdoors, and play a key part in supporting real technical operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone confident (but not arrogant), adaptable, eager to learn, and quick to pick things up in a fast-paced environment.

• Carry out routine sampling, testing, analysis, interpretation, and reporting to support safe and compliant laboratory and site operations.
• Develop technical, analytical, and professional skills through structured training, on-site learning, and cross-department rotations.
• Support hazardous waste assessment and treatment activities, including lab work and chemist tasks carried out on site.
• Contribute to environmental compliance by monitoring data, following procedures, and ensuring accurate record keeping.
• Gain exposure to legislation, COSHH requirements, and the regulatory frameworks that govern hazardous waste management.
• Assist with Specialist Services projects, customer queries, documentation, and data handling across multiple teams.
• Communicate effectively with chemists, technical sales advisors, operational specialists, and customers as part of daily tasks.
• Work flexibly across different locations to build practical experience and support wider operational needs.

When you join Biffa, the opportunities for your future are wide-ranging. As a successful apprentice, you’ll have the potential to progress into a full-time role within the Specialist Services team, continuing your development as a Biffa Laboratory Technician and building a long-term career with us.

Through hands‑on training, you’ll develop the competence, confidence, and technical skill required for both laboratory and site-based testing. This apprenticeship provides a strong platform for continued professional growth, including the opportunity to work towards becoming a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

Completing this programme opens pathways not only within laboratory science, but across the wider Biffa business. With ongoing investment, varied operations, and a strong…