- Framework:
- Laboratory and Science Technicians
- Level:
The framework will provide you with the opportunity to gain the skills and experience that are needed for a job as a laboratory technician or science technician role.
Laboratory and science technicians cover a broad range of occupational roles from those who support scientists and engineers in research and development work to those who provide quality assurance or analytical science services. They can also be found in schools, colleges and universities supporting teachers of science and technical learning.
The specific nature of each laboratory and science technician job role will vary according to the needs of the employer, but you could work in the following areas:
- research and development;
- scientific analysis and testing; or
- education and industry.
Technicians are employed in a wide range of scientific fields that impact almost every aspect of our lives. As a Technician you could be involved in helping to diagnose disease by supporting medical specialists in a hospital or health clinic environment or checking products in the food, drink or pharmaceutical industries.
Technicians are frequently called upon to set up equipment and experiments that support teachers and lecturers who teach biology, chemistry, physics and other scientific subjects.
Pathway options and levels
Laboratory and Science Technicians - Level 3
Pathway 1: Supports the job roles of Laboratory Technician Education Science (General) and Laboratory Technician Education Science (Maintenance).
Pathway 2: Supports the job roles of Laboratory Technician (Health
physics), Laboratory Analysis Technician(Environmental Science), Laboratory Technician (Process), Laboratory Technician(Standards), Laboratory Technician (Maintenance) and Laboratory Researcher/Technician.
Pathway 3: Supports the job roles of Laboratory Technician (Process), Laboratory Manufacturing Technician, Fermentation Laboratory Technician, Healthcare Laboratory Technicians (Haematology) and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (Microbiology).
Further information
Duration
Level 3: 24 Months
Progression routes
Level 3:
Routes include:
- Employment
- Further Education or Higher Education courses
- Level 4/5 qualifications
Qualifications
Level 3: NVQ Diploma in chosen pathway.
What are the entry requirements for this pathway?
All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);
Level 3
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
Level 3: No formal entry requirements. As a guide 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.
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