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

20 months

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Why Choose a Laboratory Technician Apprentice?

Hiring a Tiro apprentice means gaining a dedicated team member trained specifically to fit your industry’s demands. They don’t just learn from books – they’re trained in real-world environments, meaning they can hit the ground running and start contributing from day one.

What skills will your apprentice gain?

This programme prepares your apprentice to support lab operations with essential, hands-on expertise.

Safety & Quality Standards: Rigorous training ensures they meet top safety and quality requirements, following precise scientific methods and SOPs.
Technical Mastery: Your apprentice gains skills in problem-solving, lab information systems, and data analysis – ready to make immediate contributions.
Risk & Compliance: Trained to conduct detailed risk assessments and uphold regulatory standards, enhancing lab safety and compliance.
Communication & Teamwork: They’re prepared to communicate clearly and work effectively within your team, supporting smoother operations.
Professional Development: Instilled with a growth mindset, your apprentice is committed to ongoing learning and skill enhancement.

With Tiro, you’ll gain a capable, reliable team member who elevates safety, quality, and productivity in your lab.

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.

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 Technician
Management Positions

Typical job roles

Laboratory Technician
Field Technician
Laboratory Assistant
Environmental Technician
Materials Testing Technician
Science Technician
Dental 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

Working Safely

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 TechnicalSkills

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

Module 4

Working with Data

Your apprentice will explore the theory and application of laboratory information management systems in the workplace and the importance of document control and record keeping. They will also learn how to display and evaluate data in a workplace setting.

Module 5

Laboratory Investigations

Here the apprentice will learn the quality requirements of a laboratory both internally and externally to your 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

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.

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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

"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

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

Lucy Gardener Apprentice

"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"

Dan Gardener Materials Technician Apprentice - Balfour Beatty

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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