This apprenticeship will start from September 2024, you will attend college one day per week and will take two years to complete.
Laboratory Technician Level 3 Science Industry Apprenticeship Standard.
This trailblazer apprenticeship programme is structured in a way that you will combine the work based practical expertise and knowledge gained in a laboratory workplace; with in depth scientific theory gained from achieving a Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science.
The job specification of a laboratory technician is extremely diverse as you may gain employment in a variety of different settings such as; university educational laboratories, chemical companies, analytical science services, pharmaceutical companies etc. This programme will provide you with the scientific knowledge and practical expertise to confidently and efficiently work within this diverse field.
Click here for further information regarding the Standard Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship and academic qualification run alongside each other throughout the 2 year duration of the course.
As an apprentice you will be provided with 20% off-the-job, this equates to you being released from the workplace one day per week. On the one day a week you are released from work you are required to attend Barnsley College. At Barnsley College you will study to gain a 120 credit Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (equivalent to 2 A-levels) over the two years. You will study units such as; the fundamentals of science, scientific practical techniques, mathematics and statistics, genetics and genetic engineering, plus many more. You will be taught by industry experienced science tutors. At the end of the programme you will be awarded a Diploma in Applied Science at grade pass, merit or distinction.
Alongside the academic course, you will be assigned your own assessor with an appropriate scientific background. The assessor will work closely with you and your employer. You will work towards the apprenticeship standards, which must be evidenced to be met at the end of the programme. You will be regularly visited in the workplace, where your assessor will confirm your competency in required areas which are; your skills, knowledge and behaviours in the workplace. Your professional development and conduct will be closely monitored against the standards set out by the Science Industry Partnership. At the end of the programme, your assessor, a registered assessor and your employer will decide whether you are competent in each of the standards set out in the apprenticeship framework, at this point you will be entered for the end point assessment. The end point assessment includes a two day visit where an external specialist in the area in which you work, from the Science Industry Assessment Service, will judge your competency as a level 3 laboratory technician. During the two days, you will sit a synoptic assessment test (SAT), a vocational competency discussion and a graded scenario case study. This is a rigorous assessment process and you will be informed of whether you have passed the apprenticeship in its entirety at this point.
This apprenticeship programme is customised to the requirements of you and your employer. You will gain a highly regarded qualification which will allow you to register with RSci-Tech (the Register of Science Technicians).
A variety of assessment methods are used to achieve the Applied Science qualification, such as practicals, reports, essays and presentations.
The apprenticeship standards will be assessed via observations by the assessor in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence gathered against each of the standards, and finally the end point assessment.
All equipment will be provided.
SciTech Digital Innovation Centre
Falcon Street
Barnsley
S70 2EY
On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme you will be an externally assured, competent and job-ready laboratory technician. Once registered with the RSci-Tech you can apply for laboratory technician jobs that are advertised.
Your current employer may provide a permanent contract to you upon completion of the programme, where you may be offered the chance to work towards a more senior post.
You may wish to utilise the academic qualifications gained on the course to go on to further study.
There is no cost to being an apprentice. All costs associated with your apprenticeship, including the cost of training and your salary, will be paid by your employer.
For further information please contact the team on 01226 216166 or email: apprenticeships@barnsley.ac.uk
Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, Honeywell Sports Village where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates. You don’t have to be studying sport to get involved in the Sports Academy.
Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Please contact them on +44 (0)1226 216 769.
Having good English and Maths qualifications are important for most careers and we want to give you the help you need to succeed.
If you are aged 16 – 19 and don’t already have a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English and Maths they will automatically be included in your study programme. If you want to work towards higher grades in English and Maths we can help you do that too.
Need a higher level Maths qualification? We offer a Level 3 Mathematical Studies (Core Maths).
This can be added to your study programme.
If you need any further information, please contact our friendly Information Team.
Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.