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Geoscientist apprenticeships

Physical scientists > Geoscientist

Environment and land | Science and research

Geoscientist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course


    • University

    To work as a professional geoscientist you'll need a degree in a relevant subject. Courses often combine theory with fieldwork and practical training. Degree subjects include: 

    • geology 
    • geoscience
    • geophysics 
    • Earth science 
    It's becoming more common for new entrants to hold or be working towards postgraduate qualifications like an MSc or PhD. Integrated postgraduate master's qualifications like a MGeol or MSci can be studied at university. These courses include more independent research and are designed to lead directly onto further study like a PhD.

    You'll usually need: 

    • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science 
    • 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree 
    • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study 
    It's useful to get some work experience through an internship or year in industry placement while you are at university. Your university careers service can help you find opportunities. Organisations like Geology for Global Development also run projects and placements to help you gain skills. Experience of specialist geological software and software modelling packages can be an advantage when you are applying for roles. Since many employers of geoscientists operate internationally, having additional language skills can also be useful.

    Geoscientist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • maths knowledge 
    • knowledge of geography 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • knowledge of engineering science and technology 
    • knowledge of physics 
    • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals 
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things 
    • to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

    Geoscientist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In the field you could: 

    • travel to investigate rocks in their natural setting
    • assess the ground for suitability on engineering projects like dam or tunnel building 
    • sample rocks and record information 
    • to search for energy resources and minerals, like water, gas and oil 
    • study volcanic and seismic activity to develop early warning systems for communities living close to earthquake zones 
    • supervise site teams 
    • advise on suitable sites for landfill or storage of nuclear waste 
    In the laboratory you could: 

    • use a microscope to study rock samples 
    • test for things like strength or pollution levels 
    • use software modelling programmes
    • analyse data and write reports
    Working environment
    You could work in a laboratory, visit sites or in an office. Your working environment may be physically demanding, outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Geoscientist apprenticeships

    With experience, you could progress towards a consultant position, or move into teaching or management. You may also be able to apply for chartered environmentalist status.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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