Where will this course lead?

A Technician Scientist carries out established laboratory based investigations and basic scientific experimentation, using bench and instrumentation techniques. They use a range of routine skills and some advanced and specialised skills, following well established principles associated with their organisation's science and technology, which will typically be formulated products or analytical services in the chemical, pharmaceutical, or biotechnology sectors.

Technician Scientists carry out routine lines of enquiry, development and investigation, taking responsibility for the quality of the work they undertake. They work safely and ethically and often under highly regulated conditions, because of the need to control the quality and safety of scientific products. They critically evaluate the suitability of commonly used approaches and try to solve routine problems and issues, using a range of methods to formulate evidence based responses. Apprentices also contribute solutions to problems within the wider scientific team, using appropriate project management procedures. Technician Scientists manage resources, keep records, perform checks and use data capture systems relevant to the technical and scientific procedures that they use. They analyse relevant scientific information, interpret and evaluate data, prepare results and provide progress updates for their work.

Apprentices work alongside senior team members to use their awareness of research, technical context and laboratory processes, to then contribute to the proposal of new scientific ideas; further to this, they have an up to date knowledge of technical, scientific and regulatory developments and communicate information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms, to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Employees work as part of a wider scientific team that may include laboratory scientists and technicians, in settings where there is certainty and limited ambiguity, taking personal responsibility for decision making in routine contexts.

This apprenticeship is suitable for currently working in, or progressing into the following roles:

Analytical Support Chemist; Technical Support Scientist; Microbiology Support Scientist; Process Development Technologist; Laboratory Assistant; Senior Laboratory Technician; Assistant Scientist; Technical Specialist (Scientist); Quality Control Laboratory Assistant; Laboratory Co-ordinator; Technical Laboratory Assistant; Laboratory Analyst; Laboratory Research Assistant.

What will I study?

· The principles of non-complex laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation and how to contribute to the   development of technical projects and implement new processes according to literature

· A theoretical knowledge of chemistry or life sciences, plus specialised science and technology relevant to the job role

· The requirements and significance of reporting results, considering the importance of accuracy, precision and recognising   trends

· How to evaluate results using mathematical concepts and techniques: units, dimensions, exponentials, logarithms,   elementary probability and basic statistical analysis, relating to sampling and data

· Principles and procedures of project management: project planning, timelines & milestones, risk logs, outcome reviews,   product definitions and owners, key performance measures, action logs, project documentation, budgets and how to   contribute to plans with other team members

· Complying with business rules pertaining to record keeping, traceability & confidentiality and quality systems.

· The internal and external regulatory environment, pertinent to the sector

· The business environment in which the company operates, including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice   and codes of conduct

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 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship Standard

· Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Applied Sciences

· 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 2 distinct components:

· Workplace problem solving project report and presentation with questions and answers

· Vocational competence discussion

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 Level 5 Technician Scientist programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· 1 A Level, or 2 AS Levels (40 UCAS points), or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, such as a Level 3     Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship, or Level 3 Applied Science BTEC Diploma.

· 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including Science and the below…

· 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

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?

This course is a part-time programme and you will be expected to attend 1 day per week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

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.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship