Full Job Description
Cogent Skills is working with DePuy Synthes to recruit a Microbiology Laboratory Apprentice to work at its manufacturing plant in Blackpool. This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a global medical device manufacturing company with great development opportunities.
Qualification Requirements
Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, and Science GCSE (Combined science 44 or two separate sciences at grade 4 or above).
Salary - Minimum Apprenticeship Wage
Salaries are reviewed annually and adjusted in accordance with the national minimum wage.
Benefits
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Holiday Allowance - 25 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
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Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
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Holiday buy back Scheme
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Eyecare
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Discount Schemes
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Employee Assistance Programme
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Onsite Parking
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Onsite Canteen
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Employee Recognition / Awards
Location - Blackpool, FY4 4QQ
Working Hours
Monday to Thursday, 8am – 4.30pm with a 30-minute lunch break. Fridays, 8am – 1pm without a lunch break.
4 days per week plus a college day.
Duration - 27 months
Start Date - September 2026
Interview Date -May / June 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 30th April 2026
To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on [email protected] for assistance
Job Description
Cogent Skills is working with DePuy Synthes to recruit a Microbiology Laboratory Apprentice to work at its manufacturing plant in Blackpool. This is a fantastic opportunity to work for a global medical device manufacturing company with great development opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
Cogent Skills is currently recruiting for a Microbiology Laboratory Apprentice to join DePuy’s growing team.
The Microbiology Laboratory Apprentice will be required to:
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Carry out microbiological testing to ensure the ongoing quality of product
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Overall responsibility for assigned area (Bioburden, Environmental monitoring…)
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Interface with other departments to ensure timely release of products and materials
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Initiate laboratory investigations and non-conformance investigations
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Ensure the principles of cGMP are applied and that all documentation is followed to comply with ISO9000, ISO13485, FDA QSRs and the Medical device directive
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Complete Change assessments to ensure documents are updated in a timely manner
Duties & Responsibilities:
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Ensure that microbiological testing is performed in a timely manner
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Day to day performance
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- Bioburden testing
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- Sterility testing
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- Antibiotic potency testing
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- Environmental monitoring
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- Enumeration and identification of contaminants
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- Management of consumables and materials used in testing
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- Autoclaving of items for the laboratory and production
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- Execution of the laboratory cleaning program
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- Review of sterilization documentation
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- Hazardous waste disposal
Quality and Compliance Related Responsibilities
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Ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with all regulations and laws governing business and quality operations
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Staff: Responsible for ensuring compliance with all local, national, international and company regulations, policies and procedures for Health, Safety and Environmental compliance.
GMP documentation and Quality Systems
Support investigations to assist in the completion of Non-conformance reports and OOS excursions
Training
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Ensure that own training records are up to date and complete
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Assist in the training of other staff
Validation
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Support the validation of test methods and equipment for the microbiology department
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Support validation of processes for sterility assurance
External communications
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Liaise with sterilization contractors and approved manufactures to ensure data is retrieved and available
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Ensure that consumables are ordered in a timely manner to avoid testing delays
Candidate Requirements
Skills / Personal Qualities
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Able to follow procedures to ensure the principles of cGMP are upheld
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Able to communicate and present information and ideas effectively
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Able to work to deadlines
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Able to react to a changing environment and under time pressures
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Able to work as part of a team to work towards a common goal
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Able to manage own time and prioritize own workload to ensure timely completion of assigned work
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Escalate deviations from routine practice through the organizational chain
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Customer focus: Results and Performance driven with a sense of Urgency
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Talent development: Collaboration, Self-awareness, Adaptability
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Ability to work in stressful/fast-paced environment
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Ability to work and interact with co-workers to accomplish company goals in a team environment
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Ability to learn
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Excellent communication skills
Training To Be Delivered
Apprenticeship Standard: Laboratory Technician Level 3
Training Provider: Blackpool and The Fylde College
Delivery model: Day release and location. The apprenticeship will typically be delivered over a 24-month period with additional time required to prepare for the End Point Assessment. The apprentice's time will typically be split 80:20 throughout the apprenticeship programme with four days a week spent at the employer premises learning on the job and one day a week spent off-site, undertaking classroom-based and workshop-based training at B&FC.
Future Prospects
If you demonstrate a pro-active practical aptitude with problem solving skills and are willing to accept responsibility, there will be great opportunities for progression within the company potentially to gain an engineering degree qualification.
Things To Be Considered
Working within a heavily regulated environment requires strict adherence to in-house protocols and HSE legislation, with a high degree of integrity and attention to detail in all aspects of work.
This role is physically demanding and requires strong focus and accuracy.
This is a 2.5-year Apprenticeship with training up to Level 3. On successful completion, you will be able to perform at a high level of accomplishment.
Please ensure you are able to travel to the company.
All applications must be made through Apprenticeship Vacancies. Please do not contact the employer directly.
About DePuy Synthes
DePuy Synthes (a Johnson & Johnson company) is a leading UK manufacturer of high-quality orthopaedic implants.
From development and manufacture through to supply, DePuy Synthes possesses the technical knowledge and support resources required to ensure the success of the projects we are involved in on a global scale.
