- Framework:
- Life Science and Related Science Industries
- Level:
This Higher Apprenticeship programme is designed for new entrants to roles that use life sciences, chemical science, food science, process development and to provide progression and re-skilling routes for existing laboratory, scientific and technical employees.
You can work in four distinct areas of science and technology that are found across many different industries:
- Life Science
- Chemical Science
- Food Science
- Process Development
The nature of the laboratory, scientific and technical job roles will vary according to the needs of the employer, but you could work in areas such as production, research and development, scientific analysis in manufacturing, health, environmental, forensic science and contract services.
The apprenticeship is made up of qualifications and industrial experience across 4 pathways that will provide you with the skills and knowledge required to become competent in your chosen job role.
The apprenticeship offers the opportunity to gain professional status as a Registered Science Technician or Engineering Technician.
You should be aware of the varied working conditions that may include;
- Working with high hazard chemicals
- Exposure to bio-hazards
- Working with members of the public
- Working with a number of different departments
- Working as part of a team or unsupervised Working in a high security environment
- Wearing personal protective clothing.
Pathway options and levels
Higher Apprenticeship in Life Science and Related Science Industries - Level 4
Pathway 1: Supports job role of Life Science Technician.
Pathway 2: Supports job role of Chemical Science Technician
Pathway 3: Supports the job role of Food Science Technician
Pathway 4: Supports job roles of Process Technician
Further information
Duration
Level 4: 24 months
Progression routes
Routes include :
- Higher Apprenticeship for Life Sciences & Chemical Science Professionals at level 5
- Undergraduate Degrees in Chemical Science or a related discipline.
- Diplomas in Science or a related discipline.
- Progression to an honours degree through part-time study with work-based learning.
Continuing Professional Development to:
- Coaching
- Further qualifications in related area
- Membership of a professional institution at Registered Science Technician level.
Qualifications
Level 4 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 4
Whilst the framework does not prescribe the entry qualifications for the Higher Apprenticeship, as a general guide to the level of the Foundation Degree, HND Diploma or HNC Diploma applicants should:
- Be progressing from the Advanced Level Apprenticeship in a related scientific discipline ;
- Have achieved at least 200 points at A/AS level including DD at GCE A2 for two Science subjects, including the science subject which is the main component of the Foundation Degree, HND Diploma or HNC Diploma;
- Have at least 5 GCSE’s including Maths, English and 3 other subjects at C or above.
In some cases, employers may wish to recruit apprentices who have the ability to eventually undertake a Level 6 apprenticeship, who would start initially at Level 4. Under these circumstances, candidates would need to have appropriate A levels or equivalent that would allow them entry to Higher Education at Level 6.
Learners who have completed the Welsh Baccalaureate may have completed units or short courses which will provide underpinning knowledge towards the Higher Apprenticeship.
View full pathway