Laboratory technicians work in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services. A laboratory technician may carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation. This apprenticeship is suitable for those who would like to support teachers, scientists or other related personnel within a laboratory setting. Laboratory Technicians are primarily dedicated to supporting personnel with data analysis, scientific development, preparation of scientific equipment and ensuring safety.
Example Job Roles:
Laboratory Technician Education Science (General) - Work with teachers, lecturers and university staff to develop apparatus, equipment and resources for school / college / university research and Experimentation.
Laboratory Technician Education Science (Maintenance) - Developing and advising maintenance requirements for apparatus, resources and equipment to be used for experimental research.
Laboratory Technician Industry - Work with companies in many areas ranging from Pharmaceuticals, through to Concrete and Water. Whether performing environmental monitoring, testing products to ensuring compliance with specifications or undertaking research and development, there is a role waiting for you.
Programme Requirements:
Must have 5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science at grade 9 - 4 (A*- C) or be willing to undertake Functional Skills Level 2. We have to make sure that the Apprentice has the potential to achieve the different elements that make up the Apprenticeship qualification, and that they are working at the right level in their job. It may be a requirement to complete an initial assessment in English and Maths, and this may lead to taking some additional diagnostic assessments and skills exams.
Typical Duration:
18-24 months to complete, depending on the employer and apprentice needs.
Apprenticeship Content:
This apprenticeship standard has been developed with the help of employers such as Actavis, Aesica Pharmaceuticals, Astra Zeneca, BCM, Essar, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, GSK, Ineos, Lotte Chemical UK, Lucite, Medimmume, Pfizer, SABIC UK Petrochemicals, Sellafield, Sembcorp, Seralab, Synergy Outsourcing, Victrex, RSC, IChemE, SB.There are a number of elements to each Apprenticeship and this is called a Standard. This Standard includes:
A knowledge based qualification:
- Laboratory Technical Skills Level 3 Certificate
- IOSH Working Safely Certificate (Optional)
On Programme Assessment:
- Portfolio of evidence
- Behaviours evaluation log
- Vocational competency evaluation log
Functional Skills:
- Maths, English at Level 2
End-point assessment:
- Synoptic assessment test
- Vocational competence discussion
- Scenario case study
- Review of behaviours evaluation log
What can an apprentice do next?
A Level 5 Apprenticeship programme in Laboratory and Science Technicians.If you have any questions or queries relating to apprenticeships, please contact the apprenticeship team Apprenticeships@newcollege.ac.uk