Level 3 (at end of programme) equivalent to BTEC/A-Levels
24 months duration
depending on prior learning & off-site-training
£21,000
available from Apprenticeship Levy
Laboratory Technician Level 3
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on laboratory skills for the manufacture of ATMPs.
Occupation Summary
A laboratory technician may carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation. Working safety and ethically is paramount and many companies operate under highly regulated conditions because of the need to control the quality and safety of products. Laboratory technicians are expected to work both individually and as part of a laboratory team, able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work that is undertaken.
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 Co-ordinator, Technical Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Analyst, Laboratory Research Assistant.
Knowledge:
- Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping
- Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality
- Understand the internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the sector
- Prepare for laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques and methods
- Perform laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as SOPs
- Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instrumentation
- Participate in continuous performance improvement.
Skills:
- Produce reliable, accurate data and keep accurate records
- Analyse, interpret and evaluate data and identify results requiring further investigation
- Understand and apply statistical techniques for data presentation
- Communicate scientific information appropriately
- Recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify solutions
- Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology
Behaviours:
- Communicate effectively using a full range of skills
- Work and interact effectively within a team
- Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks
- Understand impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality
- Time management and ability to complete work to schedule
- Ability to handle change and respond to change management processes
Entry requirements
- Typically apprentices will hold Level 2 qualifications, equivalent to 5 GCSE’s above Grade C/4 providing the appropriate background to support learning at Level 3.
- 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, the English and maths minimum requirement is entry Level 3.
Progression routes
- At the end of this apprenticeship apprentices will have achieved a BTEC in applied Sciences.
- Following successful completion of endpoint assessment the apprentice will operate as a Laboratory Technician.
- The apprenticeship is aligned with professional registration at RSciTech with Science Council.
- Further apprenticeships and academic learning supporting roles at Level 5 & 6 for Laboratory Scientist or Healthcare Science Practitioner.
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
This is an established apprenticeship standard completed by Life Science Employers in 2014 with many apprentices completing the programme successfully across different science industries. Training provider analysis revealed one independent provider able to deliver the apprenticeship including an Applied Sciences BTEC using a blended learning approach, on-line classroom & practical summer schools.
Employers:
The employers currently recruiting for this apprenticeship, are shown below. Please click on the employer's logo to view their individual job advert and find out more.
Next steps
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