What will this pathway qualify me to do?
Laboratory Technician (General) where you prepare resources and set up scientific equipment and resources for School/College/University experimentation, or
Laboratory Technician (Maintenance) where you maintain scientific equipment and resources used for experimentation.
What qualifications will I need to complete for the framework?
Competence: Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (QCF)
Knowledge: Level 2 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills (QCF)
Transferable skills: Key Skills in Application of Number at Level 1
Key Skills in Communication at Level 1
Functional Skills in Mathematics at Level 1
Functional Skills in English at Level 1
Functional Skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at Level 1
Employment rights and responsibilities: Level 2 Award
Personal learning and thinking skills (PLTS): Level 2 Award
These qualifications deliver essential knowledge which supports the fundamental scientific principles to equip you with the basic understanding required to operate effectively and efficiently within the industry. The units selected should ideally be delivered in an educational workplace context such as an education laboratory.
How long will it take?
Depending upon your motivation and opportunities at work to practice and demonstrate competence, at least 6 months – realistically plan for 9 months.
How do I get into this?
You may have worked in the Science/Education sector for a period and are now considering consolidating your knowledge and experience through an apprenticeship. Alternatively, you could be a school leaver who has completed your GCSE studies or in some cases relevant vocational activity such as a Young Apprenticeship or extended work experience.
Where will an apprenticeship take me?
Progression from the pathway is harder to predict as this is the first time that an apprenticeship programme has been considered as a mainstream means of training laboratory technicians. It is likely that successful apprentices will take up positions in education establishments such schools, colleges and universities as laboratory or science technicians working to support teachers and lecturers in setting up and running educational experiments and carrying out research. Others will be involved in maintaining experimental equipment to ensure that it is serviceable and fit for purpose.
In some cases successful intermediate apprentices may be offered progression to an Advanced Apprenticeship specialising in education science or indeed some other area of activity such as Industrial Science or Analytical and Process Science.