Laboratory Technician - Apprenticeship - Level 3

The specific nature of each laboratory and science technician job role will vary according to the needs of the employer, but you could work in the following areas:

• Research and development
• Scientific analysis and testing
• Education and industry

Industry sectors include:

• Chemicals
• Petro-chemicals
• Public and private health care
• Animal and marine science
• Nuclear
• Pharmaceuticals
• Waste disposal
• Mining
• Quarrying and extractives
• Building and construction support services
• Ecological/environmental science
• Metallurgy science
• Food science and hygiene
• Agriculture science.

In the Education sector, you are frequently called upon to set up equipment and experiments that support teachers and lecturers who teach biology, chemistry, physics and other scientific subjects.

You will need:

• Entrants to the Advanced Apprenticeship are likely to have a minimum of 5 GCSE Grades A-C including English, Maths and one Science plus appropriate prior workplace experience. You will not have a level 4 or higher qualification within the same curriculum area.

• An interview is required and you will be assessed for your potential to achieve the apprenticeship. The assessment will depend upon the level and range of activities being undertaken in the workplace. Where necessary, you may be assessed for your level of Maths and English skills and are required to be working at (or towards) Level 2.

• You need to be employed by a suitable and appropriate employer, for at least 30 hours per week.

• Commitment and motivation are necessary to complete the course.

What qualification will I achieve?

• Assessed through evidence of workplace activities and observations.

• Technical certificate - includes a range of practical and theoretical assessments plus an external exam.

• Functional Skills - assessed through external examination.

How is my course assessed?

• Delivery of the knowledge qualification is weekly day-release study at The College of West Anglia, with tuition provided by a qualified science teacher. This will include coursework assessments throughout the apprenticeship and the ability to achieve Pass, Merit or Distinction in the qualification. This allows for consistency for both employer and apprentice throughout the apprenticeship allowing for full focus to the job role and commitments whilst at work with learning focus taking place each week to support retention of knowledge.

• Professional skills, behaviours and job role competencies are developed in conjunction with the employer to enable the progression of specific workplace focused skills. A qualified and dedicated Science assessor will support the development of these skills alongside a workplace mentor who can log and supervise progress.

• There will be an end assessment once all gateways have been completed.