HUNDREDS of jobs are available at a mega lab in Leamington which will be processing covid-19 tests.
Some 850 jobs are available to help deliver the UK’s NHS Test and Trace programme.
Laboratory support technicians are needed at the lab, to test the samples when they arrive along with processing and storage. They will work closely with junior and senior laboratory technicians, and biomedical scientists.
Fixed term contracts start in March, and the number of jobs will eventually rise to 2,000.
Jobs are posted on the free Coventry and Warwickshire Employment Solutions website, which connects job seekers and employers with services including vacancies and access to advice and support.
The portal has been funded by the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) along with the CWLEP Growth Hub, local councils, Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and the FSB.
CWLEP Growth Hub managing director said the jobs offered an excellent way to learn new skills in a fast-changing sector.
He said: “As well as playing a vital role in supporting society’s return to a more normal way of life by helping to break the chains of the covid-19 transmission, the lab support technicians will gain invaluable experience and exposure to some of the country’s most highly skilled individuals in the scientific community.
“These roles represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go above and beyond to support public health. Successful candidates will be offered the opportunity to be trained on new processes and develop a wide set of laboratory skills.
“The laboratory is looking for staff who are able to learn new skills, work as part of a team, have excellent attention to detail and are able to follow health and safety standards.
“They initially want 850 staff to join which will rise to 2,000 jobs eventually and all the details to apply are on the CW Employment Solutions website.”
CWLEP vice chair Marion Plant said the posts would be good for college leavers or those considering a change in career.
She said: “GCSE in maths and English at level four or five is required and successful candidates will be provided with training and accreditation for all of the roles and processes they are required to undertake as well as having the opportunity to learn and develop new skillsets.”
Visit www.cwemploymentsolutions.co.uk for more information.
