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Laboratory technician apprenticeships

Science and research

Laboratory technician apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship


    • University

    You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:

    • biology 
    • chemistry 
    • physics 
    • forensic science
    You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 3 A-Levels or equivalent. 

    College
    You could take a college course, to help improve your chances of finding work. Courses include: 

    • Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science 
    • Chemistry, Physics or Biology A Levels 
    • T Level for Laboratory Technicians
    You'll usually need: 

    • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course 
    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course or a T Level 
    Apprenticeship
    Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:

    • Level 3 Laboratory technician 
    • Level 5 Technician scientist
    You'll usually need: 

    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science for a Level 3 apprenticeship
    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship 
    Experience in a lab can help when looking for work. You can get this by: 

    • doing a year in industry as part of your degree 
    • applying for part-time work in a laboratory whilst studying

    Laboratory technician apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals 
    • knowledge of biology 
    • the ability to work well with your hands 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to use your initiative 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • administration skills 
    • maths knowledge 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Laboratory technician apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You will work safely, following strict guidelines. You could do routine or one off tests and will: 

    • set up experiments and investigations
    • carry out risk assessments 
    • collect and analyse samples 
    • prepare solutions, cultures or specimens 
    • record and present data 
    • order and control stock 
    • dispose of chemicals and waste products safely 
    • clean and maintain equipment
    Working environment
    You could work in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Laboratory technician apprenticeships

    With experience, you could progress to team manager or lab supervisor, or specialise in complex analysis work. With a degree and experience you could move into a research technician role.

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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!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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