Life Sciences

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 4 Pathway, Laboratory and Science Technicians is 174 credits.

Entry requirements

 Applicants are welcome to apply from diverse backgrounds.  They may come from areas where they will have attained wide ranging of experiences, achievements and qualifications.  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 / off the job

• Have had previous work experience or employment in the sector at an appropriate level

• Have GCSEs in English, Mathematics, and Science grades (A to C

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)

Laboratory and Science Technicians

Laboratory and Science Technicians Qualifications

Participants must achieve one each of the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.

Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh 

On/Off the Job training

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) = 54 credits

Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 1740 training hours

• Competence = minimum 540 hours/minimum 54 credits

• Knowledge = minimum 1200 hours/120 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

None

Progression

There are opportunities to continue to undertake further higher level vocational training or academic qualifications within the applicant’s chosen field of work/study.

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. 

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/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance. 

Further information may be obtained from: Medr

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