Level 3 Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians play a crucial role in a wide range of organisations. They work at the cutting edge of technology, whether in a laboratory or out in the field, performing both routine and unique laboratory testing and offering technical support across their organisation.

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Qualification

Level 3

Subject area

Science

Course type

Apprenticeship

Course length

2 Years

What is a laboratory technician?

An apprenticeship on the Laboratory Technician programme is a step towards a wide range of potential careers.

You could find yourself working within pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy, biotech or education – perhaps what you’d typically expect of a lab. Or a Lab Technician could be working on a construction site, developing paints and coatings, or working in the food sector.

What each of these lab environments has in common is a need for skilled technicians. People to make sure every task is performed safely, and in line with industry guidelines and standards.

What will I learn?

This programme is designed to enable existing team members or new recruits to develop the knowledge skills, and behaviours needed to fulfil their vital role.

Our apprenticeship will train you in the highest standards of safety and quality in laboratory environments. You’ll develop the technical knowledge of scientific methods and techniques, including following standard operating procedures, problem solving and interacting with laboratory information management systems.

You’ll learn to follow and conduct risk assessments, analyse simple and complex data sets and understand the legal and ethical requirements for your industry. You ‘ll learn to accurately conduct and document laboratory experiments, tests and tasks.

In addition to technical competence, you’ll also learn the importance of effective communication with different audiences. Our programmes instil strong values of teamwork, time management and a commitment to professional development.

What next?

Once you’ve qualified, you’ll be eligible to join the Register of Science Technicians (RSciTech) through an appropriate industry body.

Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior technician and management roles. Or they might go on to a higher level apprenticeship.

Course modules

Module 1
Health & Safety

Your apprentice will learn how to work safely and discover regulations specific to your organisation.

Module 2
LIMS & Document Control

Teaching the importance of Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) and and how they are utilised in the workplace.

Module 3
Communication Skills

At this stage your apprentice will be getting more familiar with your organisation, carrying out research tasks and communicating with their colleagues to gather information.

Module 4
Testing & Analysis

Here they learn the purposes of testing and move on through health and safety, preparation, recording results and presenting data.

Module 5
Lab Practice and Housekeeping

Here you'll master general laboratory housekeeping in line with local health and safety procedures. You'll learn how the security and integrity of the workplace are pivotal to your role.

Module 6
Quality Procedures

You'll discover the quality requirements both internally and externally to your organisation and how these requirements lead to reliable and accurate scientific work within your organisation.

Module 7
Problem Solving and Error Reporting

In this module, you'll learn all about different types of problem solving approaches and their application to your workplace. Alongside this you'll also learn about the importance of error reporting and the role this has in problem solving and quality centric processes.

Module 8
Continuous Professional Development

You'll learn how you can support your own development. You'll learn how this can be implemented within a workplace and how to manage your own performance.

Module 9
End Point Assessment

In the final three months, you'll prepare and undertake an end-point assessment.

Module 1
Biology

Fats, carbs and proteins.
Nucleic acids.
Cell structure.
Membrane transport.
Organic exchange.
Mass transport.
DNA, genes and protein synthesis.
Genetic diversity.

Module 2
Chemistry

Atomic structure.
Quantities of matter.
Bonding.
Energetics.
Kinetics.
Organic chemistry.
Organic analysis.

Module 3
Physics

Atoms, radioactivity, electrons and electronics.
Practical physics.
Forces, motion, pressure and energy.
Thermal physics.
Properties of waves.
Electricity.
Magnets and currents.

Module 4
Environmental Science

The living environment.
Ecosystems.
Conservation.
Impact to the environment.
Global environment.
Monitoring the environment.
Environmental science in the media.

Hear from current apprentices

"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

What makes this programme great?

Here are a few reasons why our programmes are unique

  • Expert Tutors – 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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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!

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