Apprentice Quality Control Assistant
Bim United Kingdom LTD · Bolton · posted 18 August 2026
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Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Quality Control position with BIM UK LTD Responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling, testing, measuring, recording and analysing results. You will also provide all the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.
The individual will be working within a laboratory environment and must therefore adhere to site dress code procedures and personal hygiene standards during testing activities (e.g. correct use of PPE such as laboratory coats and glasses; and removal of all jewellery and make-up upon entry into controlled clean room areas).
Once trained on specific tasks, the role will involve working on your own initiative at times. There may also be a requirement to take samples from the production facility and working on the pilot plant. Working on all aspects of the laboratory function including Quality Control and Development will be required. This will involve routine tasks
Typical work activities:
Tasks typically involve:
- performing laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support production activities.
- carrying out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses.
- preparing samples.
- maintaining and operating a wide variety of analytical equipment.
- supporting on plant, in process testing.
- ensuring the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced.
- maintain good accurate written records of work carried out.
- recording and interpreting results to support production and ensure compliance.
- using computers and performing mathematical calculations for the determination and presentation of results.
- keeping up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability.
- conducting searches on relevant topics.
- maintaining compliance with Management Systems.
- following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks.
- to perform these duties in an accurate and timely manner.
Your training
The Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) with Cogent Skills is designed to equip learners with the practical skills, scientific knowledge, and safety awareness required to support high-quality laboratory operations across research, quality control, and product development environments. The programme develops technicians capable of delivering reliable experimental results, maintaining laboratory equipment, and contributing to continuous improvement in scientific processes.
The Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship is delivered through a blended model combining online learning, workplace assessment, and practical workshops.
Delivery Model -
- 1 day per week online knowledge delivery.
- workplace-based assessment of laboratory competence.
- 3-day practical workshop at the National STEM Centre, York.
- 3-day exam residential at Cogent Skills Head Office, Warrington (if qualification chosen).
- ongoing review and support throughout the programme.
Where it leads
Apprentice leading to permanent role.
The progression route can be to the technical team and into other aspects of the business, including operations or sales.
About Bim United Kingdom LTD
We develop, manufacture, apply and supply specialty chemical-based concepts, technology and service for the pulp and paper industry’s products and processes. In the UK we work extensively with the tissue industry, supplying both tissue manufacturers and tissue conversion customers.
BIM was founded in 1973 in Sweden by Peter Wållberg and is today an international family entrepreneurial group, owned by the Wållberg family.
People
BIM has approx. 220 employees worldwide.
Research & development
BIM is a research intensive enterprise. Spending approx. 8 - 12% of sales on R & D, In terms of R&D spend the company in the same league as large pharmaceutical producers.
Head office in Sweden
The head office is in Stenkullen, near Göteborg, Sweden, where you also find central R&D, customer service lab and one of our 5 production centres.
Local operations
BIM has local sales operations in Sweden, Norway, Finland, England, Germany, Belgium, Czech Republic, Portugal, France, South Africa and agents and distributors in most other pulp and papermaking countries.
Company culture
We are devoted to the “BIM Spirit”, a company culture based on commitment, hard work, innovation and customer intimacy.
Things to consider
Direct entry from school or college will normally require three A-levels (with one being Chemistry, Maths or Physics) or equivalent, equating to a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points. Prospective candidates should also have maths and English GCSE grade A-C or equivalent. We will individually evaluate candidates who do not meet these requirements but have suitable work experience.
The Ideal candidate must be a good communicator, numerate and have an analytical and logical approach. You will need to have an aptitude for hands-on, laboratory work as this will form a major part of your Apprenticeship.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade 4 and above) — essential
- GCSE Maths (grade 4 and above) — essential
- A Level Chemistry (grade C and above) — desired
- A Level Maths (grade C and above) — desired
- A Level Physics (grade C and above) — desired
Where you'll work
- PRINCE STREET, BOLTON, BL1 2NP
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