What will this pathway qualify me to do?
Laboratory Technician (Process) where you develop batch product and analysis of samples during manufacture to ensure quality control and testing of chemical products, or
Laboratory Manufacturing Technician where you develop manufacturing protocols to ensure consistent manufacture quality, or
Fermentation Laboratory Technician where you develop biotechnology protocols to ensure consistent manufacture quality, or
Laboratory Technicians (Haematology) where you examine blood cells and blood clotting mechanisms, or
Laboratory Technician (Microbiology) where you analyse and identify micro-organisms.
What qualifications will I need to complete for the framework?
Competence: Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory Science (QCF)
Knowledge: Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills (QCF)
Transferable skills: Key Skills in Application of Number at Level 2
Key Skills in Communication at Level 2
Functional Skills in Mathematics at Level 2
Functional Skills in English at Level 2
Functional Skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) at Level 2
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 and mathematic principles to equip you with the understanding required to operate effectively and efficiently in the science industry at a technician level. The units selected should ideally be delivered in a workplace analytical and process laboratory context, such as a clinical or compound processing laboratory.
How long will it take?
Depending upon your motivation and opportunities at work to practice and demonstrate competence, at least 9 months – realistically plan for 15 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, or you may have already completed an Intermediate Apprenticeship for Laboratory and Science Technicians in one of the four level 2 pathways. Alternatively, you could be a school leaver who has completed your GCSE or A level 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 bioscience, biotechnology, medical or pharmaceutical companies carrying out a wide variety of technician job roles in Analytical and Process Science. In most cases these will be of supervisory nature carrying out routine and non-routine activities.
Opportunities to undertake Further and Higher education are likely especially apprentices who complete the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science, apprentices may have the opportunity to progress onto level 4/5 science related qualifications, which could provide access to a wide range of science related university courses. “Many universities are treating the level 3 applies science course as they would 3 science A levels”. (Source Edexcel)