Laboratory and Science Technician Apprenticeship Programme

This programme is suitable for trainee Laboratory and science technicians in a wide range of roles from those who support scientists and engineers in research and development work to those providing quality assurance or analytical science services. The course is designed for laboratory and science technicians who carry out routine laboratory and science based operations and those involved in non-routine, more varied work activities such as planning, organising and leading technician support functions to assist scientists, educationalists and technologists in their work.

The following qualifications all need to be completed in order to achieve the apprenticeship

BTEC National Level 3 Diploma Applied Science

Delivered over two years, via attendance in college one day per week – 8hrs of classes.

Qualification academically equivalent to two A levels for university entry.

Year 1:
Unit 1: Principles and Applications of Science I (External assessment)
Unit 2: Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (Internal assessment)
Unit 3: Science Investigation Skills (External assessment)
Unit 13: Applications of inorganic chemistry (Internal assessment)

Year 2:
Unit 4: Laboratory Techniques and their Application (Internal assessment)
Unit 5: Principles and Applications of Science II (External assessment)
Unit 6: Investigative Project (Internal assessment)
Unit 14: Applications of Organic Chemistry (Internal assessment)

BTEC NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities

Assessed in the workplace via observation and gathering evidence of work training and activities, over two years.

There are two possible pathways, Industrial and Educational

Units included (Industrial Science Pathway)
Unit 1: Maintain health and safety in a scientific or technical workplace
Unit 2: Maintain effective and efficient working relationships for scientific or technical activities
Unit 3: Carry out scientific or technical testing operations
Unit 4: Access and communicate scientific or technical information to authorised personnel
Unit 5: Provide technical advice and guidance for scientific or technical activities
Unit 6: Plan scientific or technical sampling and testing activities
Unit 12: Measuring, weighing and preparing compounds and solutions for laboratory use
Unit 13: Maintain and control stocks of all resources, equipment and consumables for scientific or technical activities

Units included (Educational Science Pathway)
Unit 1: Maintain health and safety in a scientific or technical workplace
Unit 2: Maintain effective and efficient working relationships for scientific or technical activities
Unit 19: Evaluate and provide scientific or technical assistance for learning activities
Unit 20: Demonstrate scientific or technical methods, techniques and skills to others.
Unit 21: Improve the quality and reliability of scientific and technical activities in the workplace
Unit 22: Test and evaluate new scientific or technical methods and procedures
Unit 13: Maintain and control stocks of resources, equipment and consumables
Unit 14: Make presentations for scientific or technical activities in the workplace

Essential Skills Wales
These are completed in college as part of the day release for study
Level 2 Communication
Level 2 Numeracy
Level 2 Digital Literacy