Science Apprenticeship Standard

Laboratory Technician (Level 3)

A Level 3 apprenticeship for laboratory technician roles across pharma, biotech, chemical, process and university sectors.

Qualification Level 3 Standard
Government Funding Up to 100%
Start Dates Year Round
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Course Overview

Occupation summary

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.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with the laboratory manager and colleagues, internal departments such as manufacturing, procurement and quality, internal customers such as medical staff, teaching staff and students, external suppliers and customers such as service engineers, delivery drivers, regulatory bodies and inspection teams e.g. HSE.

An employee in this occupation 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. It is not a requirement, either to practise in this occupation or as part of this apprenticeship, for apprentices to achieve additional qualifications (other than the usual English and maths requirements for an apprenticeship at this level) or professional recognition. However, this apprenticeship standard has been carefully designed with some of the requirements of certain relevant professional bodies in mind. Apprentices and employers should speak to the professional bodies relevant to the industry or sector within which they are working to ascertain the additional requirements that must be met for professional recognition by these organisations. Recognition by those organisations will be dependent on the acquisition of learning as defined by them.

[Learning guides](https://sciencecouncil.org/careers-from-science/qualification-choices/apprenticeship-learning-guide-laboratory-technician/) have been produced by the professional bodies to support the delivery of this apprenticeship.

Typical Job Roles

  • Laboratory assistant (prefixed by sector)
  • Laboratory technician

Entry criteria

English and Maths

English and maths qualifications must be completed in line with the [apprenticeship funding rules](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules).

Career progression

This standard has been carefully designed with some of the requirements of certain relevant professional bodies in mind. Apprentices and employers should speak to the professional bodies relevant to the industry or sector within which they are working to ascertain the additional requirements that must be met for professional recognition by these organisations. Recognition by those organisations will be dependent on the acquisition of learning as defined by them.

[Learning guides](https://sciencecouncil.org/careers-from-science/qualification-choices/apprenticeship-learning-guide-laboratory-technician/) have been produced by the professional bodies to support the delivery of this apprenticeship.

Professional recognition

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. It is their belief that by following the learning guides, or a qualification that covers the learning outcomes they contain, an apprentice will have an enriched experience. While professional recognition by these organisations and professional body membership is not a formal requirement for practising as a Laboratory Technician, training providers, employers and apprentices may wish to have regard to this information and the opportunities that professional registration can confer when considering the design of individual apprenticeship programmes and occupational development. The contact details for these professional bodies and the knowledge information can be found here: membership@rsb.org.uk membership@iop.org registers@rsc.org for Registered Science Technician

Additional Details

Occupational Level:

3

Duration (months):

24

Review

this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
[1.3](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-3 “/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-3”) Updated SSA 10/12/2025 Not set
[1.2](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-2 “/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-2”) End-point assessment plan revised 05/08/2020 09/12/2025
[1.1](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-1 “/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-1”) Standard revised 06/05/2020 04/08/2020
[1.0](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-0 “/apprenticeships/st0248-v1-0”) Retired 09/12/2014 05/05/2020

Status: Approved for delivery (available for starts)

Level: 3

Reference: ST0248

Version: 1.3

Date updated: 10/12/2025

Approved for delivery: 9 December 2014

Route: Health and science

Typical duration: 24 months (this does not include assessment period)

Minimum hours for compliance: 487

Maximum funding: £21000

LARS Code: 14

EQA Provider: [Ofqual](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/register-of-eqa-providers/)

[**Laboratory technician assessment plan** File size: 330.8 KB](https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/media/civit5ar/st0248-laboratory-technician-level-3-ap-for-publication-17112025.pdf “Download EPA plan”)

Employers that hire our apprentices

Express Engineering
CMR Group
CMP
B&B
AkzoNobel
Baker Hughes
BEL Engineering
Bridon-Bekaert
Science

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Real Stories. Real People.

What our apprentices say.

Ofsted Good Provider
Daniel Young
Millers UK — Daniel YoungEngineering Apprentice

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship here at Miller UK and have been fortunate enough to be presented with many opportunities to further my skills and knowledge in different departments."

Read more
Georgia Pickering
Georgia PickeringEngineering Apprentice

"The best part of doing an apprenticeship was the combination of learning in an educational setting and applying that knowledge in real-world practice. It gave me the opportunity to earn a qualification while working alongside experienced engineers."

Read more
Liam Johnson
Millers UK — Liam JohnsonBusiness Administration Apprentice

"The best part of my apprenticeship was the opportunity to learn while on the job. I thrive in environments where I can apply new knowledge directly, and the apprenticeship provided a great balance of theory and practical application."

Read more
Renata Kozlovskaja
Renata KozlovskajaBusiness Administrator · Level 3

"Don't be afraid of challenges. They make you stronger. Every time you think you can't do something, push yourself to do it and you will be amazed at what you can achieve."

Read more
Help & advice

Apprenticeships, explained

The questions we get asked most, answered plainly.

The first step is completing an online application form through the TDR Training website.

If eligible, the candidate will be invited to TDR to complete:

  • A 40-minute English and maths assessment.
  • An interview with one of TDR’s Training Officers.

Completing an assessment and interview does not automatically guarantee a place on the TDR recruitment database.

Candidates are assessed on:

  • Punctuality.
  • Presentation.
  • Preparation.
  • Communication skills.
  • Interview responses.
  • Motivation.
  • Overall attitude and professionalism.

Making a positive impression is essential, as successful candidates will be shortlisted for employer opportunities.

Once a candidate has been added to the TDR recruitment database, our Employer Engagement Team will actively work to identify suitable employers and apprenticeship opportunities.

When a suitable opportunity becomes available, we will contact the candidate and arrange an interview where appropriate.

Although we work hard to support candidates, we cannot guarantee that every candidate will secure an apprenticeship. We therefore recommend candidates continue applying to other colleges and training providers to maximise their opportunities.

We use several methods to communicate with candidates about apprenticeship opportunities.

Text messaging is our most common method of contact, but we also use telephone calls and email.

Candidates must regularly check their messages and respond promptly. Failure to answer calls or reply to messages could mean missing out on important apprenticeship opportunities.

Yes. Candidates should keep TDR updated with any changes that could improve their chances of securing an apprenticeship.

Examples include:

  • Passing a driving test.
  • Achieving additional GCSEs or qualifications.
  • Gaining work experience.
  • Becoming more flexible about apprenticeship choices.

Regular communication ensures we always have the most up-to-date information when matching candidates with employers.

During the assessment and interview process, we spend time understanding what each candidate wants to achieve and what type of engineering career interests them.

We often challenge candidates to explain why they want to follow a particular route, helping ensure they have made an informed career choice.

Candidate information, interests and career aspirations are recorded and used when matching individuals with suitable employer vacancies.

TDR will not put a candidate forward for a position that does not match their interests, as finding the right fit is important for long-term success.

A candidate who has completed, or is currently completing, a relevant Level 3 engineering qualification should still aim to secure a Level 3 apprenticeship.

The technical qualification is only one part of the full apprenticeship programme. An apprenticeship develops practical skills, technical knowledge and workplace behaviours while the apprentice is employed and gaining real industry experience.

If the Level 3 qualification already achieved is relevant to the apprenticeship standard, the overall duration of the programme may be reduced through recognition of prior learning.

TDR Training is different from a traditional college.

Every learner attending TDR for practical training, a BTEC or an HNC is employed by an engineering employer. They are therefore expected to behave in the same way as they would in the workplace.

We expect high standards of:

  • Attendance.
  • Punctuality.
  • Professional behaviour.
  • Respect.
  • Health and safety awareness.
  • Commitment to learning.

Every learner represents their employer while attending TDR and is expected to act as an ambassador for their company.

This creates a professional, safe and industry-focused learning environment.

No. Apprenticeships at TDR do not only start in September.

Because TDR has its own dedicated engineering training school, we can support apprentice starts throughout the year. This provides greater flexibility for both employers and candidates.

Unlike a traditional college, TDR continues to support learners throughout the year, including school half-term periods and summer breaks.

No. As an apprentice, you do not pay for your training.

The cost of apprenticeship training is funded through government funding and employer contributions.

Employers are responsible for paying their apprentice a wage. Depending on the size of the business and, in some circumstances, the age of the apprentice, a contribution towards training costs may be required.

Apprentices must receive at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.

The latest rates can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Many TDR employers choose to pay above the minimum rate, meaning wages vary depending on the employer, role and industry sector.

Most apprentices work at least 30 hours per week, with many working a full-time week of 37 to 40 hours.

This includes:

  • Workplace learning with the employer.
  • Practical training at TDR.
  • Technical learning.
  • Progress reviews with an assessor.

An apprenticeship is a real job, and apprentices are expected to demonstrate the same commitment and professionalism as any employee.

An apprenticeship allows you to learn practical skills while earning a wage from day one.

Benefits include:

  • Real workplace experience.
  • Industry-recognised qualifications.
  • Practical engineering skills.
  • Learning from experienced engineers.
  • Improved career opportunities.

Apprenticeships are focused on demonstrating competence in the workplace rather than relying only on traditional exams.

Yes. An apprenticeship is the beginning of your engineering career.

Many TDR apprentices progress into higher-level qualifications, specialist roles, supervisory positions and leadership opportunities.

Progression routes may include:

  • Level 4 apprenticeships.
  • HNC qualifications.
  • Specialist engineering roles.
  • Further professional development.

TDR supports lifelong learning and continued career development.

The length of an apprenticeship depends on the level, subject area and apprenticeship standard.

Most apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you are employed by your employer, receive a wage and continue developing your technical skills, knowledge and behaviours through workplace learning and training at TDR.

TDR currently offers the following Level 4 apprenticeships:

  • Lead Maintenance Technician.
  • Manufacturing Technician.
  • Automation and Controls Engineering Technician.
  • Quality Practitioner.

These apprenticeships are generally suited to more experienced candidates and are often a progression route for those who have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship.

Candidates with only a Level 3 qualification from school or college may not always have the workplace experience required for these higher-level programmes.

That is absolutely fine.

If an employer has already identified the individual they want to recruit, they simply need to contact TDR Training.

We will guide both the employer and candidate through the necessary processes, including eligibility checks, assessments and enrolment, allowing the apprentice to begin their training programme.

Alongside apprenticeships, TDR delivers a wide range of commercial engineering and professional training courses for individuals and employers.

Courses include:

  • Electrical engineering.
  • Mechanical engineering.
  • Welding and fabrication.
  • Machining.
  • CAD.
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics.
  • Health and safety.

We also deliver higher-level qualifications, including HNC programmes.

Employers are responsible for employing the apprentice and paying their wage.

The cost of apprenticeship training is supported through government funding. Depending on the size of the organisation and the circumstances of the apprentice, employers may be required to contribute towards training costs.

For full details on funding options and employer responsibilities, please contact TDR Training.

TDR provides a specialist engineering training environment designed around the needs of employers and industry.

Unlike a traditional college, TDR has its own engineering training school where apprentices develop practical skills alongside their workplace learning.

Employers benefit from:

  • Industry-focused training.
  • Flexible apprenticeship start dates.
  • Direct communication with TDR staff.
  • Practical skills development.
  • Support throughout the apprenticeship journey.

Our aim is to develop skilled, professional engineers who are ready to contribute positively to their employer.

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