Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

Subject Area Science
Course Type Apprenticeship
Qualification Level 3
Start Date August 2020
Make an enquiry APPLY now
«Back to course listing
Home » Courses » Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

The advanced apprenticeship for laboratory technicians is for people working or hoping to work in a science laboratory. The apprenticeship will take two years to complete.

You will attend College for one day per week. During this day you will study topics in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology. This will include under-pinning theory and advanced practical laboratory technician skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to improve your English and maths ability.

In employment, you will learn skills on-the-job and be supported to work towards specific competence targets relating to health and safety, laboratory housekeeping, scientific methods, analysing data and complying with relevant regulations.

The apprenticeship will be assessed by an external organisation (SIAS) at the end of the two years. Once completed, you could go on to work as a qualified science technician in commercial laboratories, research, schools or universities. Alternatively, you may choose to progress to a higher apprenticeship for laboratory scientists or onto a science-related degree.

Course Details

Entry Requirements
Expand Close
  • You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English
  • You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in Maths
  • You must have completed an appropriate vocational qualification at Level 2
  • You should have GCSEs at Grade 4(C) or above in Combined Science or Separate Sciences, or have an appropriate vocational qualification at Level 2
What will I learn?
Expand Close

You will learn about topics in Chemistry, Biology, and Physics and carry out practical work to make you familiar with techniques used at work and with the way data should be presented and processed. Examples of subjects you will cover include:

  • Chemical analysis

  • Microbiology

  • Gene technology

  • Calibration and use of measuring equipment

  • How to design and manage a practical project

Careers & Employability
Expand Close

This occupation is found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments.

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 employee in this occupation interacts with the laboratory manager and colleagues, internal departments such as manufacturing, procurement and quality, internal customers such as medical staff, teaching staff and students, external suppliers and customers such as service engineers, delivery drivers, regulatory bodies and inspection teams e.g. HSE.

“I have really enjoyed my time at the College, and have made some great friends whilst studying here. The tutors are really supportive and it's great that they have industry experience. Learning the fundamentals of programming has been a highlight for me.”Reece Tarrant

Paignton Campus – Vantage Point

This course is available at our Vantage Point Campus. 

Our inspirational Paignton Campus provides the very best learning environment, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

South Devon College,
Long Road,
Paignton,
TQ4 7EJ

Have you considered...

We have courses to suit everyone so if you haven’t found exactly what you’re looking for yet, we recommend you take a look at the following courses. We’ve selected these for you based on your interests.

Level 3

Motor Vehicle Service and Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Apprenticeship

Level 2

Bricklaying Apprenticeship
About us

We currently offer a wide range of apprenticeships in various sectors including: childcare, management, hairdressing, marine and many more. Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16.

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

We deliver a range of Higher Apprenticeships which offer a unique way of developing professional level, job specific skills while remaining in employment and earning a salary.

Student Support

A supportive learning environment is available for all students including, free or discounted travel options, careers advice and more. We take pride in matching apprentices of all ages to the right job and employer.

Matrix accredited logo QAA logo