Laboratory Apprentice

SGS GAS are delighted to invite applications for our 2025 apprentice program in partnership with SOLAS and DTU. This is an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to embark on a career in a rewarding industry and gain a recognised qualification. On successful completion of the 2-year apprenticeship you will achieve a Higher Certificate in Science (Laboratory Technician). Candidates will have the opportunity to progress to Level 8.

Please note the apprenticeship will commence early September 2025

Are you looking to kick start a career in science working for a world leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry, and get an opportunity to progress your education while getting paid?

SGS GAS is a centre of excellence for all aspects of industrial gas testing including chemical composition testing as well as viable and non viable particle testing in gases. SGS GAS’ main focus is to ensure and/or certify the quality of industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and food grade gases. This is achieved through a strong quality focus and an excellent Health Authority audit history and reputation. SGS GAS has a dynamic team culture, committed to employee development. SGS GAS operates across many industries and across Europe.

SGS GAS has been growing and developing extremely quickly over the last 10 years and the future is very bright. Motivated and successful candidates will be offered exiting opportunities to continue their journey within SGS GAS in Ireland or abroad.

The successful candidate will combine practical, hands-on work experience while gaining a qualification. The apprentice will attend college 2 days per week and work in the most advanced gas testing laboratory in Ireland based in Rathnew 3 days per week during term time. You will be required to work 5 days on site during holiday period. The candidate will also be entitled to 22 days holiday per annum.

Responsibilities will include but limited to

• Sample collection and logging
• Testing of gas samples by Gas Chromatography
• Incubation and enumeration of microbiological samples
• Redaction of analytical reports
• Support equipment preparations including autoclaving
• Ordering of chemicals and consumables
• Appropriate disposal of waste
• Take ownership of tasks and responsibilities that are assigned to you and closing them out in an efficient and timely manner
• Work with the quality department on issues and investigations
• Ensure health & safety standards are always maintained
• Ensure own work area is always kept clean and tidy
• At all times, adopt a safe behaviour by exercising due regard for the health and safety of yourself, colleagues, and clients, in line with the Company’s policies and procedures
• Ensure full compliance with the Company’s Code of Integrity, and act in accordance with SGS Ireland’s Equality & Diversity Policy

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the Laboratory Technician will have:

• Excellent understanding of the principles of GMP and GDP.
• Understanding of operating in an ISO17025 certified testing laboratory.
• Time management and ability to complete work to schedule.
• Develop strong communication skills further.
• Team work- the ability to collaborate in a team environment, contributing to a supportive and inclusive work culture.
• Understand the importance of data integrity (recording results in a timely and accurate fashion)
• Understand the quality systems that are in place and their importance.
• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
• Knowledge of methods of receiving and logging samples into a QC laboratory.
• Excellent understanding of the variety of methods involved in gas testing.
• Understand the correct labelling of laboratory reagents and samples.
• Knowledge of “out of specification” investigations and “Lab Investigations Reports” processes.
• Knowledge of the purchase systems of QC consumables and liaising with approved suppliers.
• Understanding the various steps in the production process of a laboratory.
• Knowledge of calibrating laboratory equipment as required.
• Capability to perform analytical chemistry techniques, including but not limited to: Titrations, weighing, incubation, enumeration, multiple gas chromatography techniques (GC-FID, GC-TCD, GC-PDHID, GC-MS, GC-SCD, TD-GC-MS & GCxGC-PDHID), various continuous gas methods (aluminium oxide, TDLAS, Zirconia sensors, IR, Paramagnetic, GFx-IR), and others.
• Knowledge of reporting processes and current deficiencies in a ISO17025 environment.

SGS is the world's leading Inspection, Verification, Testing and Certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 99,500 employees, we operate a network of more than 2,500 offices and laboratories around the world.  We deliver global service with local expertise, to market leading clients across 10 different industries worldwide. Our solutions support Government agencies and enterprises in dynamic sectors such as Transport, Trade and Life Sciences, to help organisations and consumers to stay compliant and safe.

• Grade D/O6 or higher at Ordinary Level in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent including a Science Subject (Chemistry preferred) and Mathematics or Relevant FETAC Level 5/Level 6 Graduate. (Mature students with a demonstrated interest will also be considered).

• Have a genuine desire to develop a career in science
• Take ownership of his/her own learning, including the allocation of study time. All classes must be attended.
• Demonstrate Curiosity- Willing and eager to learn to continuously improve and not afraid to ask questions
• A positive attitude
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work and interact effectively within a team.

To apply please submit your CV. 

Candidates must be immediately eligible to work in Ireland, this is a site based role.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.