Overview

This apprenticeship program prepares individuals for a career as a Laboratory Technician across a variety of industries including chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nuclear, dental, and educational sectors. The role involves working at the forefront of technology to conduct laboratory testing, manufacturing where relevant, and performing various technical support functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety and Quality Compliance: Work safely in the lab, follow quality procedures, and maintain excellent housekeeping.
• Laboratory Preparation and Tasks: Prepare for lab tasks using scientific techniques and perform tasks according to methodologies and standard operating procedures.
• Data Management: Produce reliable data, keep accurate records, and analyse results.
• Equipment Handling: Use and maintain lab instruments and equipment, including calibration.
• Problem-Solving: Recognise problems, apply scientific methods to identify causes, and implement solutions.
• Communication: Appropriately communicate scientific information and use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Continuous Improvement: Participate in business performance improvement and apply continuous improvement techniques.

Typical Job Titles

• Laboratory Assistant (sector-specific)
• Laboratory Technician

 Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors (KSBs)

• Knowledge: Health and safety regulations, quality procedures, scientific techniques, regulatory requirements, data protection, and continuous improvement principles.
• Skills: Health and safety compliance, laboratory task preparation and execution, equipment handling, data management, statistical data analysis, problem-solving, and effective communication.
• Behaviours: Effective teamwork, independent work, time management, adaptability, continuous professional development, reliability, and integrity.

Duties

1. Work Safely: Maintain safety and risk management systems.
2. Follow Quality Procedures: Meet quality standards relevant to the workplace.
3. Laboratory Preparation: Use appropriate scientific techniques and methods.
4. Perform Tasks: Follow specified methodologies.
5. Use Equipment: Handle laboratory instruments and equipment, including calibration.
6. Data Management: Produce accurate data and keep records.
7. Data Analysis: Analyse and interpret data, identify results needing further investigation.
8. Communicate Information: Use LIMS and other communication tools.
9. Data Presentation: Apply statistical techniques.
10. Problem-Solving: Identify causes and implement solutions.
11. Continuous Improvement: Participate in business performance improvements.

Qualifications

English and Maths: Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths must achieve this before the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health, and care plan, the minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language (BSL) is an alternative for those whose primary language is BSL.