Level 6 (at end of programme)
Up to 60 months maximum duration, depending on route chosen.
£27,000 funding band maximum available through the Apprenticeship Levy. Employers that do not pay the Levy will fund 5% of the funding band maximum.
Level 6 Scientist
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team carrying out technical and scientific activities in the laboratory.
Occupation Summary
A scientist applies specialist knowledge and broad scientific understanding to carry out a range of technical and scientific activities in their specialist discipline. They analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant scientific information, concepts and ideas and use these to develop subsequent experiments or investigations and to propose solutions to problems. They identify areas of business improvement and propose innovative scientific ideas. They perform practical, established and novel laboratory procedures using standard and specialist laboratory equipment and instrumentation. Ensuring uniformity, consistency, reliability, reproducibility, quality, and integrity of scientific tests underpins their work and the working environment. In all contexts working safely and ethically is paramount.
Typical jobs include: Analytical Chemist, R&D Scientist, Molecular Biologist, Formulation Scientist, Process Scientist, Quality Control
Apprentices can take one of three routes. ATAC will discuss each route with you before you enrol an individual onto the programme to ensure that the apprentice is on the one that works best for them based on their role and prior experience:
- Level 6 Scientist: This is the standard route, geared towards any individual in advanced therapies and complex medicines.
- Level 6 Scientist (ATMP pathway): This route is specialised to individuals working in ATMPs, featuring ATMP-specific modular content.
- Level 6 Scientist (Top-Up): This route is reserved for individuals that . The typical duration for this route is approximately 24 months.
Knowledge:
The knowledge the Scientist will develop is focused on building a deep understanding of scientific principles, techniques, and methodologies across their scientific discipline. This includes knowledge of experimental design, analytical method validation, sampling strategies, data analysis, and the interpretation of results to inform scientific and technological advancements. They will acquire a familiarity with safe, ethical, and sustainable practices, relevant regulatory frameworks, and stakeholder expectations and will demonstrate proficiency in computational tools, statistical methods, and project management. The Scientist will solve complex problems and improve scientific workflows. For a full list of knowledge that the apprentice will need to acquire, view the occupational standard held by Skills England.
Skills:
The skills developed by a Scientist are focused on applying a range of practical and analytical skills to design, conduct, and evaluate investigations across their scientific discipline. They will solve complex problems using appropriate scientific methods, equipment, and computational tools, ensuring data integrity, accurate analysis, and clear communication of results. They will develop skills in both qualitative and quantitative evaluation, interpret data, literature, and stakeholder input to guide investigations, drive improvements, and support innovation. They will ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, environmental, and sustainability standards, while contributing to quality management and project development across multi-skilled teams. Through ongoing performance review and collaboration, they will promote best practices, optimise processes, and support organisational and scientific objectives. For a full list of skills that the apprentice will need to demonstrate, view the occupational standard held by Skills England.
Behaviours:
The Scientist will demonstrate integrity, self-motivation, and a commitment to professional and organisational values, including confidentiality and safe working practices. They take personal responsibility for promoting sustainability, drive positive change, and act as role models within their teams. Through critical self-reflection, they take ownership of their development, apply initiative to generate new ideas, and actively support continuous improvement across the organisation. For a full list of behaviours that the apprentice will need to demonstrate, view the occupational standard held by Skills England.
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
- Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to the endpoint
- 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 programme, apprentices will have achieved a BSc degree in Applied Biological Sciences.
- Following successful completion of endpoint assessment the apprentice will operate as a Laboratory Scientist
- The apprenticeship is aligned with professional registration at RSciTech/RSci with Science
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
Next steps
This programme starts in TBC
For more information, please contact us