Level 3

Modern Apprenticeship In Life Sciences (SVQF Level 7)

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on research, development or commercial manufacture of Advanced Therapies.

Occupation Summary

Modern Apprentices in Life Sciences 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:  Laboratory Technician, Microbiology Support Scientist, Process Development Technologist, Laboratory Assistant, Technical Specialist, Quality Control Laboratory Assistant, Laboratory Analyst, Laboratory Research Assistant.

Knowledge

 

Skills

 

Behaviours

 

HNC Qualification:

  • Statistics for Science – practical use in the laboratory environment.
  • Laboratory Skills.
  • Cell Biology – theory and practical.
  • Fundamental Chemistry.
  • Applied Sciences.
  • Biochemistry – optional module applicable for Life Sciences ATMP role.
  • Biotechnology – optional module applicable for Life Sciences ATMP role.
  • Microbiology – optional module applicable for Life Sciences ATMP role.
  • DNA & Genetics – optional module applicable for Life Sciences ATMP role.

SVQ Level 3:

  • Health and Safety within the workplace.
  • Carry out scientific or technical testing operations.
  • Quality compliance and the role of workplace regulations.
  • Assess and communicate scientific or technical information to authorised personnel.
  • Plan scientific or technical sampling and testing activities.
  • Working in a team and supporting others.
  • Carry out small scale processing, scientific investigations and sampling operations.
  • Diagnose faults, repair and maintain scientific or technical equipment.
  • Maintain and control stocks of all resources, equipment and consumables.
  • Make presentations for scientific or technical activities.

Entry requirements

  • Technically there are no entry level requirements for this Modern Apprenticeship, however the employer may wish to set these to ensure quality of candidates.
  • Typically good grade Standards and some Highers may be set as expected entry requirements, particularly in STEM related subjects.
  • Apprentices without core skills will be supported and funded in development of these to the acceptable level.

Progression routes

  • At the end of the apprenticeship apprentices will have achieved a HNC and SVQ Level 3 LATA.
  • Following successful completion apprentices can progress on the HND, either full-time or part-time day release sponsored by the employer.
  • Further degree level qualifications are available through part-time or full time routes following.

Key information

SCQF Level 7 HNC in Applied Bio-Science
SVQ Level 3 & core skills

24 – 36 months duration
depending on prior learning and experience

Fully funded:
Apprentices under 20
£2,300 employer contribution:
Apprentices over 20

Targeted for new entrants or existing staff to upskill in applied biological sciences and practical laboratory skills

Forth Valley College

TBC

Register Your Interest

Find out more

Have questions about ATAC or our apprenticeships? You may find the answers on the pages below. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, would like to know more about this particular programme, or want some help or advice before you apply, please contact us.

Back to all programmes

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch for more information.

Contact us

Become an apprentice

Support or Recruit an Apprentice