What will this pathway qualify me to do?
Laboratory Technician (Process Control and Testing) where you control and test GMP chemical compounds and products, or
Laboratory Analysis Technician where you analyse samples after GMP manufacture, or
Laboratory Test Technician (Quality) where you quality test GMP manufacture, or
Laboratory Technician (Process Analysis) where you analyse biotechnology/pharmaceutical samples from GMP manufacture to ensure quality control, or
Laboratory Manufacturing Technician where you prepare GMP manufacturing batch stock, or
Laboratory Analysis Technician (Biological/Chemical Analysis) where you analyse biological/chemical samples to determine content.
What qualifications will I need to complete for the framework?
Competence: Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory Science (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 Communication Technology (ICT) 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 a workplace context such as an analytical or process 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 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 laboratory technician positions in bio-science, pharmaceutical and bio-technology roles where GMP regulatory requirements apply.
In some cases successful intermediate apprentices may be offered progression to an Advanced Apprenticeship specialising in compound analysis or indeed some other area of activity such as Education Science or Industrial and Process Science.