Level 5 – Laboratory Management

This isn’t a course. It’s a proving ground.
If you’re already a lab expert but want more — more control, more responsibility, more impact — this programme is for you.
It’s for the ambitious. The obsessive. The ones who see beyond the bench and want to lead from the front. You'll learn how to run smarter, safer labs. Lead people. Overhaul outdated systems. Drive innovation. And develop the kind of operational precision that gives your business an edge.

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Qualification

Level 5

Subject area

Science

Course type

Apprenticeship

Course length

15 months

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What is Laboratory Management?

It’s not about lab coats and pipettes anymore.

Laboratory management is about control. Oversight. Strategy. It’s what happens when the person at the bench becomes the person calling the shots.

It’s the discipline of running a lab like a high-performance machine — where safety isn’t compromised, data drives decisions, compliance is second nature, and people perform at their peak. That means managing risks using frameworks like HSE, COSHH and MHRA. It means leading teams, not just supervising them. And it means using tools like AI, automation and digital dashboards to future-proof how the lab operates.

In short? Laboratory management is what turns a good lab into a great one — and a good scientist into a leader.

What will i learn?

This isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about stepping up and running the lab like it’s yours.

You’ll learn how to lead with confidence – people, processes, and performance. From embedding a safety-first culture using frameworks like HSE, COSHH and MHRA, to running incident investigations using root cause analysis and fishbone diagrams, you’ll be equipped to manage complex challenges and raise the bar.

You’ll explore how to harness AI – not in some distant future, but right now. Predict risk. Automate decisions. Drive innovation. This is about staying ahead, not catching up.

You’ll build real leadership capability – coaching teams, handling conflict, managing performance. You’ll run meetings that matter. Develop strategies that stick. Deliver audits that don’t just pass, but transform.

And through it all, you’ll learn how to make decisions driven by data, backed by insight, and delivered with purpose.

This isn’t just a qualification. It’s a mindset shift. From scientist to leader.

Course Modules

Module Breakdown

Module 1

Health, Safety & Risk Management

In this module the apprentice will learn how to lead a safety-first culture and manage real-world lab risks. They’ll explore regulations like HSE, COSHH and MHRA, and use investigative tools to analyse incidents. AI and sustainability practices will be introduced to help predict and prevent future risks.

Module 2

Leadership, People & Team Management

In this module the apprentice will explore what it means to lead in a lab environment. They’ll develop skills in team management, mentoring, conflict resolution, and feedback. AI-driven coaching tools will support their growth as scientific leaders.

Module 3

Compliance, Quality & Regulation

In this module the apprentice will learn how to build and maintain lab compliance systems. They’ll explore GLP, ISO standards, and how to conduct quality audits. Ethical and sustainable decision-making will be a key focus.

Module 4

Project & Resource Management

In this module the apprentice will learn how to plan, schedule, and manage lab projects effectively. They’ll explore resource allocation, time management, and collaborative working. This module builds the skills to deliver lab outcomes on time and on budget.

Module 5

Operational Excellence in Laboratory Environments

In this module the apprentice will learn how to optimise lab systems and workflows. They’ll explore lean principles, process mapping, and root cause analysis to drive continuous improvement.

Module 6

Data, Technology & Decision-Making

In this module the apprentice will learn how to lead data-driven labs with confidence. They’ll explore LIMS, data integrity, and how to safely use AI to boost compliance, predict risk, and streamline lab operations — all while upholding ethical practice.

Module 7

EPA Preparation

This final module prepares apprentices for their End Point Assessment. They’ll complete final training, review key concepts, and book their assessment date with the End Point Assessment Organisation.

Hear from current apprentices

"I started as an apprentice at St Richards and I really enjoyed the learning on the job and the online learning of the course content. The school was really supportive and was very flexible with how I completed my apprenticeship. I was supported the whole way through by the mentor from the school and the tutor from Tiro. Once I finished my apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to progress to senior science technician. I have learnt so much in just a short time and have really enjoyed it and all the opportunities that have arisen during this time."

Emily Barr Level 3 Laboratory Technician - St Richards Catholic College

"The main surprise from this apprenticeship is that I learned practical and transferable skills that I did not learn from university, that can be transferred into other workplaces."

Liam Boyes Materials Technician Apprentice - Aggregate Industries

"I struggled a lot early on in my apprenticeship and to be honest at one point I did honestly think I wasn’t going to be able to finish it. Looking back now that would have been a huge mistake! During my apprenticeship I was always made to feel equal with others and shared equal responsibility, often working independently on site and in the lab carrying out UKAS Accredited tests. "

Jack Hodson Materials Technician Apprentice - Balfour Beatty Vinci

"With all the knowledge I have gained through Tiro and KEVICC, I believe that I can take on any challenges I face. "

Patrisia Hincheva Laboratory Technician Apprentice - King Edward VI Community College

"Employing Aerospace skills in the Glossop area had been impossible. We’ve quickly learned that to develop the skills we need, we need to attract grass roots candidates that we can train into great Aerospace Engineers."

Matthew Quinlan Team Leader Quality, AF Fasteners

"We've struggled to grow and retain new skill. The apprenticeship programme has allowed us to attract young, local talent with an eagerness to learn. Within 5 years we expect our skill level to have developed to a world class fastener manufacturer throughout."

Chris Wilson QESH Manager, AF Fasteners

"The Level 3 program has taught me how to balance work on top of education, and I now feel confident to study at Degree level. The experience I have gained at Waters has made me grow as a professional. Without all of this I would not be able to take the next step into a Level 6 apprenticeship. "

Alexandra Lee Laboratory Technician Apprentice - Waters Corporation

"The apprenticeship scheme really made the difference between success and failure for Balfour Beatty. We knew we needed more Materials Technicians coming through, and we had to plug that skills gap ourselves. Thanks to our partnership with Tiro, it’s gone significantly better than we expected. The quality of the apprentices has been very high, and we’ve achieved an excellent retention rate. We’ve been able to fast-track people into roles with significant responsibilities. We’d never have done that before after just 3 years in the job."

"The team at Tiro are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to apprenticeships, and they have a wealth of experience in our sectors. They quickly developed a bespoke programme to meet our business needs and adapted to using our own recruitment portal. By following their well-structured recruitment and selection process, they have found great candidates for us every time. And they’ve gone above and beyond to deliver excellent customer service throughout the process."

Linda Matthews Learning and Development Manager

"Tiro pre-screened all of our candidates and made sure that every person we interviewed was of a really high calibre. The Tutors do a great job of supporting and encouraging our apprentices throughout their learning journey, and checking in frequently to make sure they are meeting our expectations. We are delighted with their support."

Mariana Burrows Laboratory Manager / Polymer Applications Specialist

"Tiro truly is a wonderful company to work for. Tiro's culture and ways of working really does set them apart from other employers. The best part of being a Tiro employee is working alongside such positive, friendly, and supportive people. Every day I am excited to get stuck into my tasks, and make an impact by setting Tiro apprentices up for success. "

Danielle Lea Exams & Admissions Officer

"Being part of Tiro is a great opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience, contribute to societal change and make a different in a positive way. I get to share my life-long obsession with science with colleagues and learners every day. Since joining Tiro I have challenged, been challenged, grown and developed in ways that have left me hungry for more. "

Nathan Dixon Curriculum Lead

Contact us for more information about this course

Interested and have more questions? Get in touch with one of Tiro’s Experts who’ll take time to listen and understand what you’re looking for, answering all your questions and seeking to find the right solution just for you!

What makes this programme great?

Here are a few reasons why our programmes are unique

Expert work-based learning coaches – our training team has real-world Science and Technology experience, academic qualifications up to PhD level, and a wealth of teaching expertise.
Science and Technology through and through – our employers work on everything from earthworks to networks, and from cancerous cells to concrete.
Flexible – our learning programmes are built with employers, for employers. They’re modularised and flexible, to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need. And all the training is delivered through a flexible mix of online and on-site training.
Apprentices you need, when you need them – we understand businesses resourcing needs won’t stick to anyone else’s schedule. We don’t work to arbitary start dates around the academic calendar or tax years. We’ll find and start your apprentices on programme whenever you need them.

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