Course Overview
Full time apprentices will typically spend 24 months on-programme (before the gateway) working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training. All apprentices must spend a minimum of 12 months on-programme. The EPA must be completed within an EPA period lasting typically 4 months, after the EPA gateway.
Entry Requirements
Relevant Work Placement. For level 3 apprenticeships and above apprentices without English and mathematics at level 2 must achieve level 2 prior to taking their EPA.
What the course covers
This occupation is found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments.
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.will be responsible for proactively finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. Laboratory technicians are expected to work both individually and as part of a laboratory team. They are able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their own work. In any context working safely and ethically is paramount and many companies operate under highly regulated conditions. Laboratory technicians therefore follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to their work.
The individual assessment methods will have the following grades:
Assessment method 1:
Knowledge Test – Pass/Fail It will consist of 40 multiple-choice questions of which 5 questions based on a scenario / case study. Apprentices will have a maximum of 75 minutes to complete the test.
Assessment method 2:
Observation with Questioning – Pass/Fail. Apprentices must be observed by an independent assessor completing work in their normal workplace, in which they will demonstrate the KSBs assigned to this assessment method. The observation will take 3 hours. The observation may be split into discrete sections held over a maximum of 1 working day. Activities MUST be observed during the observation: Working safely; Following procedures/work instructions; Complying with regulations; Following quality systems.
Assessment method 3:
Structured Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence Pass/Fail/Distinction. The following activities MUST be observed during the observation:Working safely; Following procedures/work instructions; Complying with regulations; Following quality systems.Performance in the EPA will determine the overall apprenticeship standard grade of: Pass/Fail/Distinction
Fees and funding
An employer contribution fee may be applicable depending on the age of the apprentice and the size of your organisation.
Progression
L6 Laboratory Scientist + 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.
Duration
24 months (1 day per week)