Apprenticeship training course

Technician scientist (level 5)

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Information about Technician scientist (level 5)

Working in a laboratory and using various scientific techniques.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • Principles of laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation.
  • How to apply the principles of laboratory techniques and scientific experimentation to contribute to the development of technical projects and the implementation of new processes.
  • Laboratory equipment relevant to the role and the associated maintenance and calibration requirements.
  • The key principles of scientific investigation relevant to the role (e.g. route cause analysis or out of specification results).
  • Named and recognised scientific theory appropriate to the workplace and role (e.g. Chemistry, Physics or Life Sciences).
  • The requirements and significance of reporting results, considering the importance of accuracy, precision, and recognising trends.
  • Mathematical concepts and techniques relevant to the work role (e.g. basic statistical analysis, relating to sampling and data to evaluate results).
  • The basic principles and procedures of project management and how to contribute to project plans with other team members (e.g. project timeline & milestones).
  • Business requirements pertaining to record-keeping, traceability & confidentiality, and quality control systems.
  • The internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the work role and how to comply with regulations.
  • The importance of operating ethically and sustainably, complying with codes of conduct, and the impact of this on business operations, the wider sector, society, and the environment.
  • How the role impacts on the business and the environment in which it operates (e.g idea creation, innovation, and enterprise).
  • The importance of consulting reliable sources of information to keep up to date with scientific, role, or sector knowledge and ways to communicate this to team members.
  • Health and safety and environmental regulations, procedures, documentation, and risk management systems applicable to the role.
  • Importance of developing soft skills (people and interpersonal) relevant to the role.
  • Different approaches and methods, for use in the identification, design, development, and implementation of solutions to technical problems.
  • Techniques used to identify and manage stakeholder expectations including compliance with codes of conduct.
  • The importance and impact of good record keeping.
  • How digital technology enables the functionality of the working environment to be adaptable to change.

  Skills

  • Identify potential scientific techniques to meet defined objectives.
  • Review and select appropriate scientific techniques to undertake required tasks (consider risk management, safe working practices, equipment availability, quality standards, the environment, and sustainability).
  • Source and calibrate specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
  • Plan and perform laboratory-based investigations and scientific experimentation using scientific techniques, procedures, and methods relevant to the role.
  • Systematically obtain information when conducting scientific experiments.
  • Record and store data in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Contribute to the development or improvement of processes and methodologies and support their implementation into the business as part of a wider team.
  • Use data analysis tools and software packages to process or produce reliable, accurate data or information.
  • Interpret scientific data to inform actions or recommendations and escalate where required.
  • Present the results of scientific work to scientific and non-scientific audiences in written and oral form.
  • Plan and prioritise own tasks and complete work to schedule whilst maintaining compliance with internal and external requirements.
  • Contribute to recommendations, improvements, or scientific solutions to meet the requirements of internal or external customers.
  • Identify, develop or contribute to solutions to technical problems.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders and identify results requiring further investigation or escalation.
  • Keeps up to date with advances in scientific and sector working practices and technologies. Shares best practice across the team.

  Behaviours

  • Acts in a professional and ethical manner (demonstrates reliability, integrity, and respect for confidentiality).
  • Acts in a way that builds and maintains positive relationships with stakeholders (takes account of the impact of own work on others, internally and externally).
  • Committed to continuous professional development (handles and responds positively to change, adjusting to different conditions, technologies, situations, and environments).
  • Committed to adopting safe working practices.
  • Committed to the adoption of environmentally sustainable working practices.
  • Resilient under pressure.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Health and science
• Qualification level: 5; Equal to higher national diploma (HND)
• Course duration: 36 months
• Funding: £21,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Analytical support chemist
  • Assistant scientist
  • Associate practitioner
  • Laboratory analyst
  • Laboratory assistant
  • Laboratory co-ordinator
  • Laboratory research assistant
  • Microbiology support scientist
  • Process development technologist
  • Quality control laboratory assistant
  • Senior laboratory technician
  • Technical laboratory assistant
  • Technical specialist (scientist)
  • Technical support scientist

View more information about Technician scientist (level 5) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.