The content of this Pathway has been agreed by Cogent. This is the only Apprenticeship Pathway in the Life Sciences sector approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Welsh Government funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities - (Education Science) is 91 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science) is 103 credits.
Entry requirements
Science sector employers wish to attract applicants who have an interest in working in a Science environment and would be interested in applicants that:
- are keen and motivated to work in a science environment
- are willing to undertake a course of extended training in a work environment on-the-job
- and off-the-job
- have had previous work experience or employment in the sector
- have a Welsh Baccalaureate with or without a science core option
- have GCSEs in English, Mathematics, and Science grades (A to E)
- have completed a Pathways to Apprenticeship programme
The Laboratory and Science Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship is suitable for applicants who have five GCSEs grade C or above including Maths, English, and a Science. This is not a hard and fast rule but may vary according to the pathway chosen and the suitability of individual applicants.
Applicants wishing to undertake a BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma underpinning knowledge qualification should already have achieved a Technical Certificate at Level 3, A Levels or equivalent in the relevant subject area and be age 18+ (as specified by the qualifications entry on RITS). The Science sector does not impose restrictions to entry, such as minimum level of qualifications and welcomes applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds and anticipates that applicants will have a wide range of experience, achievements and qualifications.
The selection process on behalf of employers may include initial assessment activity where applicants may be asked if they have qualifications or experience that can be accredited against the requirements of the apprenticeship.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities - (Education Science)
Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities - (Education Science) Qualifications
Participants must achieve one each of the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0354/6 600/1731/4 | 48 | 480 | Competence | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/1 601/7434/1 | 24 | 235 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/3 601/7436/5 | 46 | 455 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/4 601/7438/9 | 64 | 640 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/2 601/7435/3 | 89 | 890 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0776/0 601/7437/7 | 135 | 1345 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/4037/4 603/4570/6 | 120 | 1200 | Knowledge | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities - (Education Science) | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities - (Education Science) | 300 | 496 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway duration approximately 24 months depending on the qualification and unit options selected.
Total minimum credit value (made up of the total on- and off-the-job training for all the components) = 91 credits.
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 796 training hours.
• Competence = minimum 300 hours/minimum 48 credits.
• Knowledge = minimum 180 hours/25 credits (based on the smallest technical certificate training hours).
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science)
Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science) Qualifications
Participants must achieve one each of the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0354/6 600/1731/4 | 48 | 480 | Competence | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Certificate in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/1 601/7434/1 | 24 | 235 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/3 601/7436/5 | 46 | 455 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/4 601/7438/9 | 64 | 640 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0775/2 601/7435/3 | 89 | 890 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Applied Science | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/0776/0 601/7437/7 | 135 | 1345 | Knowledge | English Only |
| BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/4037/4 603/4570/6 | 120 | 1200 | Knowledge | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science) | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science) | 318 | 496 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway duration approximately 24 months depending on the qualification and unit options selected.
Total minimum credit value (made up of the total on- and off-the-job training for all the components) = 103 credits.
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 814 training hours.
• Competence = minimum 318 hours/minimum 60 credits.
• Knowledge = minimum 180 hours/25 credits (based on the smallest technical certificate training hours).
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Other additional requirements
This pathway does not have any other additional requirements.
Progression
Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities - (Education Science)
Progression into the pathway has been described within the entry criteria but the majority of entrants are likely to be school leavers who have completed their GCSE/Baccalaureate studies and relevant vocational activity such as a work experience.
Others may have worked in the science sector for a period before considering an apprenticeship. Some may have already completed a Foundation Apprenticeship for Laboratory and Science Technicians (Education Science) or one of the three other pathways.
Note: Applicants wishing to undertake a BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma underpinning knowledge qualification should already have achieved a Technical Certificate at Level 3, A Levels or equivalent in the relevant subject area and be age 18+ (as specified by the qualifications entry on QiW).
Progression from the pathway is harder to predict as this is the first time that an apprenticeship programme has been considered as a mainstream means of training laboratory technicians. It is likely that successful apprentices will take up laboratory technician positions in Schools, Colleges and Universities. In most cases these will be of a supervisory nature carrying out routine and non routine activities.
Opportunities to undertake Further and Higher education are likely especially apprentices who complete the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science, apprentices may have the opportunity to progress onto level 4/5 science related qualifications, which could provide access to a wide range of science related university courses. "Many universities are treating the level 3 applied science course as they would 3 science A levels". (Source Pearson)
Level 3: Laboratory and Science Technicians - Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities (Industrial Science)
Progression into the pathway has been described within the entry criteria but the majority of entrants are likely to be school leavers who have completed their GCSE/Baccalaureate studies and relevant vocational activity such as a work experience. Others may have worked in the science sector for a period before considering an apprenticeship. Some may have already completed a Foundation Apprenticeship for Laboratory and Science Technicians (Industrial Science) or one of the three other pathways.
Note: Applicants wishing to undertake a BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma underpinning knowledge qualification should already have achieved a Technical Certificate at Level 3, A Levels or equivalent in the relevant subject area and be age 18+ (as specified by the qualifications entry on QiW).
Progression from the pathway is harder to predict as this is the first time that an apprenticeship programme has been considered as a mainstream means of training laboratory technicians. It is likely that successful apprentices will take up laboratory technician positions in industrial, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and nuclear companies carrying out a wide variety of technician job roles. In most cases these will be of a supervisory nature carrying out routine and non routine activities.
Opportunities to undertake Further and Higher education are likely especially apprentices who complete the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science, apprentices may have the opportunity to progress onto level 4/5 science related qualifications, which could provide access to a wide range of science related university courses. "Many universities are treating the level 3 applied science course as they would 3 science A levels". (Source Edexcel)
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
The Laboratory and Science Technicians Apprenticeship aims to promote diversity, opportunity and inclusion by offering high-quality, learning opportunities.
The delivery of the Apprenticeship Pathway must be in environments free from prejudice and discrimination where all learners can contribute fully and freely and feel valued. There must be no overt or covert discriminatory practices in selection and recruitment of apprentices to the programme, which is available to all people, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion/belief, sexual orientation or disability who meet the stated selection criteria.
Barriers: In the industries and services where there are micro or small to medium enterprises, such as in Biotechnology where 99% of all employers are made up such enterprises, some of these employers cannot cover the range of services that the large employer can cover.
There is no defined entry route below graduate into the Science industry. Careers advice regarding entry into this particular industry is often poor. The well-established practice of recruiting graduates into technician roles means that there is low awareness amongst employers of the potential benefits of developing technicians and science professionals though an apprenticeship route, which limits the diversity of the technician intake.
The role of science technician may be perceived to be less valued than that of the graduate scientist and therefore is seen as a less attractive career option, which limits the diversity of the cohort attracted to the science technician profession.
Actions: Cogent plan to introduce a series of industry specific case studies and Careers Pathways on the Cogent Careers web site (www.cogentskills.com) aimed at encouraging people from all backgrounds to become Laboratory and Science Technicians. These case studies will also demonstrate the benefits to employers of using the Laboratory and Science Technicians Apprenticeship Pathway as a means to improving the diversity of the laboratory, scientific and technical workforce.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government