Level 3 (at end of programme) equivalent to BTEC/A-Levels
18 – 30 months duration
depending on prior learning & off-site-training
£27,000 maximum funding cap
available from Apprenticeship Levy
Science Manufacturing Technician Level 3
Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team focusing on operating the systems and equipment involved in the production of ATMPs.
Occupation Summary
A science manufacturing technician will operate the systems and equipment, involved in the production of Advanced Therapy products. They may work in varied conditions including wearing specialist safety equipment, shift work, research and development or on commercial sites running 365 day operations under highly regulated conditions. A premium is placed on appropriate attitudes and behaviours to ensure employees comply with organisational safety and regulatory requirements. Technicians are expected to work both individually and as part of a manufacturing team, with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. They are proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving their own work.
Typical job roles may include: Aseptic Process Technician, API Manufacturing Technician, Cleanroom Technician, Process Operating Technician, Quality Assurance Technician, Science Technician, Environmental Monitoring Technician.
Knowledge:
- Develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology and its application to the ATMP sector & job role.
- Understand & follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards.
- Understand the internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the ATMP sector and the employer and comply with regulations proficiently.
- Understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal knowledge role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct.
Skills:
- Both independently and within a team start-up, operate and shut-down a manufacturing batch or continuous process in line with appropriate Standard Operating Procedures.
- Work safely in a science manufacturing environment, understanding personal responsibility for Health, Safety and the Environment and principles of risk management.
- Control and monitor a process or plant and equipment, effectively, efficiently and securely, and resolve problems or correct abnormal conditions.
- Participate in Continuous Improvement within the workplace.
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.
- Manage time and be able 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
- Following successful completion of endpoint assessment the apprentice will operate as a Science Technician.
- At the end of this apprenticeship apprentices will have achieved a Level 3 apprenticeship with a BTEC in Applied Sciences.
- The apprenticeship is aligned with professional registration at RSciTech/EngTech with Science & Engineering Councils.
- Further apprenticeships and academic learning can be achieved following completion of this apprenticeship.
Training providers:
Training provider analysis
This is an established apprenticeship standard designed by Life Science Employers in 2014 with many apprentices completing the programme successfully. 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.
Next steps
Find out more about this apprenticeship
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