Level 5
(at end of programme) equivalent to Foundation degree (FdSc)
36 – 40 months duration
depending on prior learning
£20,000 maximum funding cap
available from Apprenticeship Levy
ATMP Technician Scientist Level 5
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on research, development or commercial manufacture of ATMPs.
Occupation Summary
Technician scientists carry out laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using established instrumentation techniques and a range of routine and specialised skills following well-established principles associated with an organisation’s science and technology in Advanced Therapies. They work as part of a wider scientific team, which may include laboratory scientists and laboratory technicians, in settings where there is certainty and with limited ambiguity taking personal responsibility for decision making in routine predictable contexts.
Typical job roles may include: Analytical Support Chemist, Technical Support Scientist, Microbiology Support Scientist, Process Development Technologist, Laboratory Assistant, Senior Laboratory Technician, Technical Specialist, Quality Control Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Coordinator, Technical Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Analyst, Laboratory Research Assistant.
Knowledge:
- Principles of non-complex lab techniques & scientific experimentation.
- Theoretical knowledge of Biological Sciences applied to ATMPs.
- Requirements & significance of reporting results, accuracy, precision and trending.
- Mathematical concepts and techniques.
- Basic principles and procedures of project management.
- How to comply with business rules pertaining to record keeping & quality systems.
- Internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to ATMPs.
Skills:
- Perform laboratory based investigations & basic scientific experimentation.
- Comply with quality standards, safe working practices & risk management systems.
- Contribute to development of new processes & support implementation.
- Use computer based data analysis tools including spreadsheets & software.
- Find solutions to routine & non-routine problems. Contribute to solutions.
- Continuous Improvement within the scientific environment.
Behaviours:
- Reliability, integrity & respect for confidentiality.
- Takes account of the impact of work on others.
- Handles and responds positively to change.
- Takes responsibility for personal development.
- Manages time effectively, being able to plan and complete work to schedule.
- Works with minimal supervision & interacts effectively in a scientific team.
- Communicates effectively using a full range of skills; oral, listening, written.
Entry requirements
- Typically apprentices will hold Level 3 qualifications providing the appropriate number of UCAS points for HE entry as defined by individual employers/HE providers and will have completed A levels/B-Tech in at least one science related subject.
- Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to endpoint assessment.
- For those with an education, health and care plan, English and maths minimum requirement is entry Level 3.
Progression routes
- At the end of this apprenticeship apprentices will have achieved a FdSc degree in Applied Biological Sciences.
- Following successful completion of endpoint assessment the apprentice will operate as a Technician Scientist.
- The apprenticeship is aligned with professional registration at RSciTech/RSci with Science Council.
- Further apprenticeships and academic learning supporting roles at Level 6 for Laboratory Scientist or Healthcare Science Practitioner.
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
This is an exciting new apprenticeship standard designed by Life Sciences Employers and approved for delivery in August 2018. Initial training provider analysis across higher education revealed few universities able deliver Applied Biological Sciences using a blended learning approach of on-line classroom & practical summer schools as well as the capability to develop specialist cell and gene therapy content.
Next steps
Find out more about this apprenticeship
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