R&D Apprentice

Preston - UK

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

About R&D

Join Incorezs Preston R&D team working at the heart of polymer synthesis formulation and product testing that supports Sikas UK portfolio in sealants adhesives and coatings. Incorez has been part of the Sika Group since 2009 giving you the backing of a global leader while contributing to innovation at site level.

You will be based in the R&D function at the Preston Global Technology Centre helping to develop new products evaluate materials and improve manufacturing efficiencyactivities that directly support Sikas transformation towards netzero and better customer outcomes.

Purpose of the Role

As an R&D Apprentice youll start your journey by supporting the day-to-day running of the laboratory before progressing into hands-on lab work which will involve product testing product application and ultimately synthetic chemistry work. As you reach the second half of the apprenticeship youll be designing experiments analysing data and seeing your industrial and academic training come to life in a real-world setting.

Whats In it for You

The Qualification

Level 6 Scientist Degree Apprenticeship in Chemical Science

BSc (Hons) Chemical Science

The Programme

Manchester Metropolitan University.

Blended distance learning weekly sessions online.

Annual skills boot camp at Manchester Metropolitan campus (5 days per year).

The Details

Employment Start Date: 1st September 2026

Course Start Date: 22nd September 2026

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 8am-4pm (30-minute lunch break).

Fixed Term Employment Duration: 48 months

The Rewards:

You will be rewarded with a competitive salary and a sweep of great benefits. We pride ourselves on our total reward package:

Holiday 25 days rising to 28 days with service plus bank holidays
Core Hours Working
A company pension contribution of up to 10%
Private healthcare for you with option to add family
Group life cover at 6x your annual salary
Global Income Protection (PHI)
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
Staff discount platform & Cycle to Work scheme
Dedicated Service Awards for reaching key milestones
Selected discounted Sika products

The Support:

At Sika there is a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one. You will be an integral part of the Preston R&D team which is within the wider UK R&D network. Mentorship and supervision will come from across the R&D team at different stages throughout the placement teaching you new skills and providing guidance. The team prides itself on a strong basis of openness and support where successes and mistakes are freely exchanged.

Qualifications :

The Skills:

Youll develop a strong understanding of industrial R&D project management and commercial addition to honing your time management and presentation skills youll gain hands-on experience with a range of lab-specific techniques that are central to daily work:

Safe handling and use of chemicals for the synthesis of polymers and other chemical substances.
Application of analytical techniques such as FTIR and gas chromatography for material characterisation.
Formulation and performance testing of prepared compounds to evaluate their real-world functionality.

What we need from you

Have an interest in science especially chemistry.
Communicates with clarity purpose and efficiency.
Enthusiastic attitude and approach to teamwork with positive influencing and listening skills.
Passion to continue learning and improving themselves.
5 GCSE at grades 4 or above including Mathematics and English.
Have a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points including 3 A Levels (1 must be a minimum Grade C in Chemistry) or an equivalent level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC Extended Diploma (Scientific Discipline) DMM and above.

Additional Information :

The Future:

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship you will be eligible to apply for other positions within the business

Remote Work :

Employment Type :

Intern

About R&DJoin Incorezs Preston R&D team working at the heart of polymer synthesis formulation and product testing that supports Sikas UK portfolio in sealants adhesives and coatings. Incorez has been part of the Sika Group since 2009 giving you the backing of a global leader while contributing to in...