Typical job roles

Operating science industry manufacturing equipment in process environments.

Science manufacturing process operatives are employed across the science sector. The sector includes companies working in Nuclear, Petrochemical, Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology, Formulated Products, Packaging and Polymers. A science manufacturing process operative will undertake basic operations and monitoring of plant and equipment, including pumps, valves, temperature gauges, filtration equipment, tanks, vessels and production/processing machinery; or they will safely operate machines to process/manufacture, assemble and finish component parts or finished products by hand, appropriate to their level of responsibility.

The working environment may require the use of specialist safety equipment. They may also have to comply with the requirements of Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) regulations if operating in a ‘clean room’ environment. A science manufacturing process operative will be expected to work in a supervised environment either individually or as part of a team. They will be expected to contribute to the maintenance of product quality and be involved in basic process improvement opportunities. They will have an appropriate level of knowledge of health and safety requirements within the industry, basic operating procedures and take a multi-skilled approach to achieve production/processing targets.

More Information


Typical Tasks

  • Manufacturing intermediates, materials or products using plant equipment
  • Starting, monitoring and controlling processes to maintain quality standards
  • Following Standard Operating Procedures or methodologies
  • Sampling products
  • Carrying out simple testing (where relevant)
  • Maintaining housekeeping standards in working areas
  • Carrying out basic root cause analysis
  • Working accurately and safely in line with legislation, regulations and company policy and procedures

Entry criteria

4 or 5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 3 (A* to D) including English and Mathematics for a Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard


Typical duration

18 months


Career/progression opportunities

Completion of this Apprenticeship can lead to progression opportunities into the following careers:

  • Team leader
  • Science manufacturing technician

Dependent on employer requirements, progression onto a Level 3 Apprenticeship