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Biochemist apprenticeships

Biochemists and biomedical scientists > Biochemist

Science and research

Biochemist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • working towards this role
  • specialist training with the NHS


    • University

    You'll usually need a science degree. For jobs in industry or research, you may also need a postgraduate qualification like a master's degree or PhD. Relevant degree subjects include: 

    • biochemistry 
    • biotechnology 
    • biopharmaceuticals 
    • chemical and molecular biology 
    • microbiology 
    • genetics 
    • molecular biology 
    During your degree course, you may be able to get experience of working in a laboratory through a Summer Vacation Studentship. Some universities also offer a science foundation year as part of a degree if you have not studied science subjects to the level needed for direct entry to degree course.

    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, including biology and chemistry. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study. 

    Work
    You could work as a laboratory technician and study on the job for a degree to qualify. 

    Other Routes
    In the NHS, you can train by following the NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP). Integrated master's qualifications like MBiolSci, MBiochem or MSci can be studied at university. These courses combine more independent research and are designed to lead directly onto further postgraduate study like a PhD.

    Professional and industry bodies
    Membership of a professional body like the Biochemical Society or the Royal Society of Biology may be useful to reinforce your status as a professional scientist and to help keep your knowledge current.

    Biochemist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • knowledge of biology 
    • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals 
    • maths knowledge 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • thinking and reasoning skills 
    • concentration skills 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Biochemist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your tasks will vary by industry In the pharmaceutical, food or brewing industries, you could: 

    • develop new products
    • monitor production 
    • be responsible for quality control 
    • check the safety of existing products 
    In a hospital, public health laboratory or research institute, you may: 

    • carry out tests on blood 
    • research the causes of disease
    • explore new methods of treatment 
    In agriculture and the environment, you could: 

    • genetically engineer plants to create pest-resistant crops 
    • improve the quantity of crops
    • develop and extend the shelf life of produce
    • monitor the effects of pollution on the environment
    As a biochemist in education, you could work in universities or colleges, or medical, veterinary or dental schools.

    Working environment
    You could work at a research facility, in a laboratory or at a university. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Biochemist apprenticeships

    With experience, you could become a team leader or manager, running a department, or move into research, sales and marketing, or scientific journalism.

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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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