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Key Facts

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship - Level 3

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship - Level 3

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The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with the laboratory manager and colleagues, internal departments such as manufacturing, procurement and quality, internal customers such as medical staff, teaching staff and students, external suppliers and customers such as service engineers, delivery drivers, regulatory bodies and inspection teams e.g. HSE.

Apprenticeships give you the opportunity to work for an employer, earn a salary and at the same time study to achieve a nationally recognised qualification whilst gaining valuable workplace skills and experience. Apprenticeships are flexible and are designed to offer a structured programme of learning to fit around the needs of the individual and the employer.

Learning takes place mainly during the employment through the development of on the job skills, supported by your College based off the job training which will take place at the college typically for one day every other week. Both the on and off the job elements of the apprenticeship lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

  • Entry Requirements


    You must be in suitable employment to do an apprenticeship. Apprentices can be existing or new members of staff.

    Employers will set their own entry. Typically, an apprentice would be expected to have already achieved 5 GCSEs including English and maths grades A*/9-C/4. Some employers will accept other relevant qualifications and experience, including Functional Skills Level 2 qualifications.

    Apprentices without English and maths at Level 2 must achieve these prior to taking their End Point Assessment

  • Course Content


    • Science Fundamentals
    • Microbiology
    • Understand Regulatory Environment
    • Product Testing Techniques
    • Control of Hazards in the Laboratory
    • Laboratory Techniques
    • Quality Procedures
    • Data Protection
    • Analysis, interpretation and evaluation of data

  • Progression Next Steps


    This standard aligns with the following professional recognition:

    The Royal Society of Biology, Royal Society of Chemistry and Institute of Physics have worked together with the Science Council to publish learning guides intended to further enhance career prospects and support the professional standards they have a duty to uphold within their Royal Charters. It is their belief that by following the learning guides, or a qualification that covers the learning outcomes they contain, an apprentice will have an enriched experience. While professional recognition by these organisations and professional body membership is not a formal requirement for practising as a Laboratory Technician, training providers, employers and apprentices may wish to have regard to this information and the opportunities that professional registration can confer when considering the design of individual apprenticeship programmes and occupational development.

  • Additional Information


    Click on the Apply link on this page to start the application process if you are in or have secured suitable employment for the Apprenticeship.

    For further guidance and information if you are not currently employed in a suitable role please have a look at Apprenticeship FAQs

    If you are an employer and interested in any of our Apprenticeships for your staff, please email our dedicated Apprenticeship team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Course Structure


    The course is split into a number of phases:

    On-programme Training and development takes place during this part of the apprenticeship, with apprentices attending college one day a week plus assessment in the workplace. During this time, you will develop a portfolio. During their training, apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected from a competent Laboratory Technician.

    End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage that an apprentice goes through to complete their apprenticeship. The apprentice must show their learning to an independent end-point assessor and the overall grade available is distinction, pass or fail.

    The apprenticeship duration is a minimum of 24 months plus EPA. One day a week at College, with a minimum four days per week employed in suitable employment.

  • Assessment Details


    The apprentice has to successfully achieve their End Point Assessment (EPA) which includes;

    • Knowledge test - multiple choice exam paper,
    • Practical test and Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.