Mineral and construction product sampling and testing operations
Level 2 · IntermediateEngineering and manufacturing 1.2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Operatives in mineral and construction product sampling and testing collect samples from quarries, ready-mix plants, and construction sites, then test them in laboratories to check they meet required standards. Apprentices learn sampling methods, laboratory tests, and how to record and report results accurately. The role is important for quality assurance in road construction, concrete production, and aggregate supply.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Sampling methods for aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and soils
Laboratory testing procedures for construction materials
Relevant British and European standards for materials testing
Accurate recording and reporting of test results
Safe handling, storage, and disposal of samples
Using and maintaining laboratory equipment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Collect material samples from site, plant, or quarry
Prepare and carry out laboratory tests on samples
Record test results accurately in lab registers or databases
Compare results to specification limits and flag failures
Maintain testing equipment and keep lab records up to date
Follow health and safety rules for sampling and testing
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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