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Forensic scientist apprenticeships

Law and legal | Science and research

Forensic scientist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • University
    You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in: forensic science a related subject like chemistry, biological science, physics or medical sciences It may help to choose a university qualification accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. You'll usually need 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including chemistry. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

     

    Apprenticeship
    You may be able to start by doing a research scientist or a laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship. It will help if you do your apprenticeship with a company that provides forensic science services, or with a police force that has its own in-house lab facilities. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent.

    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry. If you want to specialise in recovering data from computers and mobile phones, you'll need relevant experience and qualifications. Useful subjects include computing, electrical engineering, electronics or physics.

    Forensic scientist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning 
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • excellent written communication skills
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks

    Forensic scientist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • perform blood grouping and DNA profiling 
    • analyse fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
    • examine splash patterns and the distribution of particles 
    • analyse handwriting, signatures, ink and paper 
    • provide expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics 
    • research and develop new technologies
    • recover data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment 
    • attend crime scenes, like a murder or fire 
    • give impartial, scientific evidence in court
    Working environment
    You could work on the streets, in a laboratory or in a court. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Forensic scientist apprenticeships

    With experience, you could move into management and direct other forensics staff as a forensics manager or casework examiner. You could also work as a reporting scientist, acting as an expert witness in court.

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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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