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.

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

The apprenticeship will be delivered through a series of progress reviews and observations in the workplace on a 6-8-week basis, checking necessary progress. Apprentices will have a day release to attend College to study the BTEC qualification.

For the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science, there will be opportunities to learn about the fundamentals of science, working in the science industry, to develop various mathematical and scientific techniques, and conduct a scientific investigation. The Apprenticeship and BTEC delivery involve a blended learning method, using classroom discussion and our virtual learning environment to enhance learning.

There are three parts to End-Point Assessment (EPA).

• 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.

There are no specific College programme related costs, however you will be advised of any additional costs during your application and enrolment process.

BTEC Diploma in Applied Science Level 3

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Level 3

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 Advanced Apprenticeship, you can then progress onto higher level apprenticeships.

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

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