Summary
To co-ordinate a technical service to the science department to ensure safe practices are observed; provide general care of science rooms and support teaching and learning through preparation of resources and in class support. To learn the requirements of a Science Technician role to enable you to achieve the Laboratory Technician apprenticeship.
Wage
£14,526.20 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Actual salary based on term time only (39 weeks) + 10 days is £13,019 (£7.55 per hour). In the second year of your apprenticeship you will be on the minimum wage for your age.
Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 5 January 2026
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
Your main responsibilities will include:
* Support the Science Technician and Department
* Prepare resources and assemble apparatus
* Prepare and provide equipment and resources for lessons, ensuring teaching areas and equipment are well maintained and organised
* Assist the Head of Science in maintaining an up-to-date inventory for the departments equipment and manage this effectively to ensure all equipment is ready and available to use
* Construct and modify apparatus
* Give technical and health & safety advice to teachers, technicians and students
* Carry out risk assessments for technician activities with the Head of Science
* Assist in practical classes and carry out demonstrations, providing appropriate advice
* Keep up to date with health & safety requirements and with developments in practical science e.g. attending courses and reading publications
* Disposal of waste materials
* Check fume cupboards, pressure vessels and first-aid kits; carrying out electrical and other safety checks; etc.
* Organise, store and check the condition of chemicals and equipment
* Attend department meetings
* Set up and care for plant and animal collections
* Prepare standard solutions, purify chemicals, treat waste
* Check stock, prepare orders and keep stock records
* Maintain resources
* Collect, check and return equipment to stores
* General laboratory cleaning of bench surfaces sinks and fixed equipment, general cleaning and repair of equipment
* Support in other departments as and when requested to
* Support with displays
* Preparation of materials and visual resources for lessons
Where you'll work
Harris Drive
Overslade Lane
Rugby
Warwickshire
CV22 6EA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED
Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
What you'll learn
Course contents
* Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
* Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
* Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
* Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
* Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
* Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
* Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
* Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
* Complete documentation proficiently
* Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
* Contribute to the preparation of reports.
* Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
* Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
* Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
* Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
* Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
* Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
* Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
* Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
* Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
* Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
* Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
* Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
* Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
* Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
* Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
* Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
* Complete documentation proficiently
* Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
* Contribute to the preparation of reports.
* Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
* Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
* Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
* Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
* Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
* Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
* Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
* Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
Training schedule
You will undertake a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with an Ofsted rated 'Outstanding' training provider, CSR Scientific Training, which will include:
* Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Laboratory Technician
* On-the-job competency training
* Theoretical knowledge - BTEC Level 3 Applied Science (if required)
The majority of your learning will be completed online once a week with some face-to-face practical sessions/exams in Birmingham (if BTEC is included).
Upon successful completion, apprentices can apply for professional registration as a Registered Science Technician, RSciTech, with either the Institute of Physics, Royal Society of Chemistry or Royal Society of Biology.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
x 5 including Maths, English and Science (grade C/4 or above)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Administrative skills
* Logical
* Team working
Other requirements
Our Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check via the DBS.