Where will this course lead?

This occupation is found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively: chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies, analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments. The actual job role of an apprentice may vary significantly from one employer to the next. The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions, across the organisation. In their daily work, an apprentice in this occupation interacts with the laboratory manager and colleagues, internal departments such as manufacturing, procurement and quality. They will also liaise with internal customers such as medical staff, teaching staff and students; in additional to this, they will work with external suppliers and customers such as service engineers, delivery drivers, regulatory bodies and inspection teams e.g. HSE. The employee will be responsible for proactively finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. Laboratory Technicians are expected to work both individually and as part of a laboratory team. They are able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their own work. In any context, working safely and ethically is paramount and many companies operate under highly regulated conditions; Laboratory Technicians therefore follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to their work.

Professional Registration

As this apprenticeship is recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) level, there is a requirement for the technician to continue to develop upon completion of the programme.

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Quality procedures and standards relevant to the workplace

· Health and safety, risk assessment and control of hazardous substances

· Preparing and performing laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures,   while using scientific techniques

· Calibrating laboratory equipment and specified instrumentation

· Producing reliable data and keeping accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and its results, including those   requiring further investigation

· Applying scientific approaches to problems, causes and solutions

· Statistical techniques for data processing, analysis and presentation

· Safe storage and handling of data and cyber security regulations

· Communicating scientific information digitally or paper-based, including the use of Laboratory Information Management   systems

· Participate in continuous business performance improvement

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements.

An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 4 distinct components:

· Synoptic assessment test

· Vocational competence discussion

· Scenario case study

· Behaviours evaluation log

· Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e. pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Laboratory Technician programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for the science industry

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor. 

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary. Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Please note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our workshop environments.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto the Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship