Our goals - Your path

About R&D

Join Incorez’s Preston R&D team, working at the heart of polymer synthesis, formulation, and product testing that supports Sika’s 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 efficiency—activities that directly support Sika’s transformation towards net‑zero and better customer outcomes.

A background or degree in chemical sciences is not required and does not provide an advantage for this position.

 

Purpose of the Role

As an R&D Apprentice, you’ll 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, you’ll be designing experiments, analysing data, and seeing your industrial and academic training come to life in a real-world setting.

 

What’s 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

Salary: We pay more than the UK Real Living Wage for this role

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.

Your expertise - Our strength

The Skills:

You’ll develop a strong understanding of industrial R&D, project management, and commercial strategy. In addition to honing your time management and presentation skills, you’ll 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.

Going Beyond. Together.

The Future: 

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

About Sika

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in the development and production of systems and products for sealing, bonding, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and industrial manufacturing. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and manufactures in over 400 factories. It’s more than 34,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 11.7 billion in 2024.