Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

Employment in a relevant environment for minimum of 30 hours per week. You must have 5 GCSE’s at grade 4 or above, including Maths, English, and Science. Alternatively a BTEC Diploma in Applied Science alongside GCSE’s in Maths and English at grade 4 or above.

To undertake the HNC in Applied Science (Biology Pathway) alongside the Level 3 apprenticeship, you must have successfully completed suitable Level 3 Science qualification (e.g. A Level/L3 BTEC) as additional entry criteria.

You will work towards the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science which will include:

• Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems.
• Follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace.
• Prepare for laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods
• Perform laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures
• Use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required.
• Produce reliable, accurate data and keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results.
• Analyse, interpret and evaluate data and identify results requiring further investigation seeking advice of senior colleagues as appropriate.
• Communicate scientific information appropriately, including the use of Laboratory Information Management systems, either digital or paper based.
• Apply scientific techniques for data presentation. e.g. statistics
• Recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions.
• Participate in continuous business performance improvement

HNC in Applied Science - Biology pathway (optional):

This course will develop you with a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of Applied Sciences through three core units;

• Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
• Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
• Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences

Core units (Mandatory)

1. Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques 15 4
2. Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
3. Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Pearson-set)
4. Cell Biology
5. Fundamentals of Chemistry
6. Anatomy and Human Physiology

Proposed specialist units

• Fundamentals of biochemistry
• Work-based investigation

The Apprenticeship delivery involves a blended learning method, using classroom discussion and our virtual learning environment to enhance learning. Apprentices will have a day release to attend College to study the qualification. The apprenticeship will also have progress reviews and observations in the workplace on a 6-8-week basis, checking necessary progress.

There are three parts to End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Level 3 apprenticeship:

• The Knowledge Test (KT) assesses an apprentices ability for knowledge recall to enable working safely, maintain accuracy and work cost-effectively. This will involve a multiple-choice question test, with some answers related to a given scenario.
• The Observation with Questioning (OwQ) is an observation in the workplace of the ability of the apprentice to perform laboratory tasks following specific procedures, working safely, and demonstrating an understanding of the data produced.
  
• The Structured Interview (SI) covers the whole Apprenticeship Standard and is an opportunity to present evidence to support elements of the standard that were not possible to demonstrate in the observation.

HNC in Applied Science - Biology pathway (optional):

Assessment will be by a variety of methods including:

• Examination
• Assignment
• Open book exam
• Practical assessment
• Presentation

Students are expected to provide basic stationary and come dressed to work in a professional laboratory. This includes a scientific calculator, the Casio Fx-991CW or EX Class Wiz is recommended.

All other specialist equipment and resources are provided, including lab coats

HNC in Applied Science - Biology Pathway (optional):

Employers should contact the Apprenticeships Team to discuss the HNC and what it entails.

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

Optional to study alongside: HNC in Applied Science - Biology Pathway

Optional to study alongside: HNC in Applied Science - Biology Pathway.

It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, T Level or A Level programmes.

Ideally, once you have completed your apprenticeship you will have a job with your employer. From the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship, you can then progress onto higher level apprenticeships or Higher National qualifications.

Successful completion of the Level 4 Higher National Certificate alongside the apprenticeship can further support career progression in science or related industries. Students may also wish to undertake further study in Science or Applied Science at Level 5 (Higher National Diploma) or degree level study.

To find out more about how to become an apprentice or how to recruit an apprentice into your business, please contact York College Apprenticeships Team:

Tel: 01904 770368
Email: apprenticeships@yorkcollege.ac.uk