Level 3 Science Manufacturing Technician

Science Manufacturing Technicians are versatile and skilled professionals who bring value to a wide range of industries, including chemical, composite manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aerospace, biotechnology, and nuclear manufacturing. They are the masterminds behind the smooth operation of production systems and equipment.

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Qualification

Level 3

Subject area

Science

Course type

Apprenticeship

Course length

2 Years

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What is a science manufacturing technician?

The Science Manufacturing Technician has been developed in partnership with leading organisations in the manufacturing industry to address a skills shortage in the sector.

An apprenticeship on the Science Manufacturing Technician programme is a step towards a rewarding career in manufacturing. You could find yourself manufacturing vaccines and healthcare products, polymers, paints and coatings, cement, or even working in the food sector.

Skilled Science Manufacturing Technicians are there to operate the systems and equipment involved in the production of products. You’ll ensure that 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 this vital role.

You’ll become a highly skilled professional, developing a deep understanding of the principles of operation in a science manufacturing environment. You’ll learn how to start-up, operate, and shut down a manufacturing process both independently and as part of a team, while ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures, health and safety regulations, and quality standards.

You’ll learn to control and monitor processes and equipment, complete documentation, and participate in continuous performance improvement.

In addition to technical skills, you’ll learn a range of interpersonal skills, including effective communication, teamwork, independent thinking, time management, and the ability to handle change. You’ll understand the importance of your role in the organisation and operating ethically and with integrity at all times.

What next?

Apprentices will also achieve a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations and eligibility for professional registration with the Science Council as a Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

Successful apprentices can often find themselves fast-tracked into senior Manufacturing and Operator roles, or into Management. Or they might go on to our higher level apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Grade C/4 in Maths and English ideal, but not essential

Delivery and Assessment

Our programmes are delivered through blended learning, a flexible approach which suits the varied contexts of our learners and employers. Apprentices benefit from both online and in-person input with the support of our Practice Tutors and Module Tutors. In the final three months of the programme you’ll prepare and undertake an End Point Assessment.

Progression

Higher Level Apprenticeship

Career Opportunities

Senior Manufacturing and Operator roles
Team Leadership
Management

Typical Job Titles

Science Manufacturing Technician
Process Operator
Manufacturing Technician
Production Technician
Process Technician
Quality Control Technician

Course modules

Module Breakdown Optional Modules

Module 1

Professional Development and Study Skills

Your apprentice will develop their workplace behaviours and learn about reflective practice, a key part of their apprenticeship from day 1.

Module 2

Health & Safety in a Processing Environment

Your apprentice will learn how to work safely and discover regulations specific to your organisation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Module 3

Industry Technical

Your apprentice will gain theoretical knowledge on a topic relevant to your organisation, such as Chemistry or Material Science.

Module 4

Process Operations, Maintenance and Calibration

Your apprentice will gain knowledge and skills within the start-up, operational and shutdown processes within the manufacturing line along with process control, handover and safety. They will develop maintenance requirements within the manufacturing environment, including serviceability and calibration.

Module 5

Quality Procedures

The apprentice will explore the quality requirements both internally and externally to their organization, and how these requirements lead to reliable and accurate scientific work.

Module 6

Problem Solving and Solutions

In this module, the apprentice will learn different approaches to problem-solving and how to apply these in their workplace. They will also learn why error reporting is vital to quality-centric processes

Module 7

Improving Processes and Procedures

The apprentice will learn about applying continuous improvement methods in the workplace and how these can contribute to improving efficiencies in services and processes.

Module 8

Environmental Management

The apprentice will learn how their work impacts the local and wider environment, looking at resource efficiency within the organisation to reduce the environmental impact of their work.

Module 9

EPA Preparation

During this module we will do final preparations towards your End Point Assessment, and book in your assessment date with the End Point Assessment Organisation

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.

Module 5

Concrete

A brief history.
Concrete standards and safe usage.
Concrete strength.
Concrete deterioration.
Cement.
Aggregates.
Concrete additions.
Mix design.

Module 6

Geology

Introduction and overview.
Minerals.
Igneous petrology.
Metamorphism.
Sedimentary.
Structural geology.

Hear from current apprentices

"I started as an apprentice at St Richards in September 2021. 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 completed my apprenticeship in Jan 2023 and 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

"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

"An apprenticeship has benefited me in many ways it has given me an insight on the industry I am in and it has made my confidence grow and grow. It’s also has given me experience and knowledge in the workplace."

Zeeshan Palmer Business Administration Apprentice at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace

"The whole experience taught me some valuable life lessons, and it’s given me a career with huge responsibilities. I have really matured thanks to the phenomenal support I’ve had from the company to progress my career"

Jerry Nickle Apprentice

Tilly Jackson Apprentice

Alice Field Apprentice

"I love the event organisation part of my role, so I’m keen to specialise in events after my apprenticeship"

Lucy Gardener Apprentice

Dan Gardener Materials Technician Apprentice - Balfour Beatty

"I love being an apprentice as I can learn and earn. For example, learning helps me understand how things are operated in a business and it helps me to understand what needs to be done in a business. I also love being an apprentice because it develops me as a person and makes me grow in the industry I am in."

Zeeshan Palmer Business Administration Apprentice at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.

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.

Current Vacancies

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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