Occupational profile - scientific technologies

Core knowledge

As an apprentice in the scientific technologies industry, you must:

• understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards including good manufacturing practice (GMP) relevant to the workplace
• understand the internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the sector and the employer and keep to regulations proficiently
• understand and apply statistical techniques for data presentation
• develop and apply theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology required for the sector and job role
• understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct

Core skills

You must be able to:

• work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following proper safety, environment and risk management systems
• prepare for laboratory tasks using the suitable scientific techniques, procedures and methods
• carry out laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as standard operating procedures
• show technical competence in the use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required
• analyse, interpret and evaluate data and identify results requiring further investigation seeking advice of senior colleagues as appropriate
• communicate scientific information appropriately, including the use of laboratory information management systems, either digital or paper based
• recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions
• take part in continuous performance improvement

Transversal skills

You will gain the following transversal skills:

Self-management

Accept responsibility for self.

Typical performance evidence will show you can at an advanced level:

• be proactive in personal and career development
• embrace change

Working with others

Work collaboratively both internally and with external customers and an awareness of interdependence.

• lead teams and give feedback
• influence others in a positive way

Citizenship/ taking part in society

Understand and be considerate of the differing needs of different individuals and groups.

Typical performance evidence will show you can at an advanced level:

• contribute to local community
• challenge own perceptions in society

Work professionalism

Behave appropriately and with a professional attitude.

Typical performance evidence will show you can at an advanced level:

• work flexibly as work place requires
• work through difficult situations

Problem solving and decision making

Weigh up the pros and cons of new situations and identify key issues.

Typical performance evidence will show you can at an advanced level:

• approach a problem from different perspectives
• come up with unique responses to situations

Digital literacy

Find evaluate, use, share and create content using information technologies and the Internet.

Typical performance evidence will show you can at an advanced level:

• use specialist programmes related to specific discipline

Communication and literacy

Use verbal, non-verbal and written communication and an awareness of the interpersonal skills of effective listening, negotiating, persuasion and presentation.

Typical performance evidence will show you can at an advanced level:

• engage persuasively using agreement and challenge
• understand when to compromise

Progression

Following completion of this level 3 apprenticeship, there are several options open to you if you wish to continue your development to progress your career.

There are opportunities to continue with further vocational training or academic qualifications. These may include (but are not exclusive to):

• foundation degrees in applied industrial science (chemical science) or applied industrial science (life science) or biological/medical science or the (NI) higher level apprenticeships in life and health science
• HNC/ diploma in science or a related subject
• developing a career in coaching through assessor and verifier awards
• qualifications in a related area, including (but not limited to) health and safety, training and development, business improvement techniques and supervisory management
• membership of a professional institution at science technician level (further information available at www.sciencecouncil.org)

It is likely that successful apprentices will take up laboratory technician positions in the industrial, pharmaceutical, petrochemical and chemical sectors carrying out a wide variety of technician job roles.

In most cases these will be of a supervisory nature carrying out routine and non-routine activities.

National occupational standards (NOS)

Every framework must be underpinned by national occupational standards (NOS) which will indicate the standards of performance you must achieve when carrying out functions in the workplace, together with specifications of the underpinning knowledge and understanding.

Behaviours may be detailed within or alongside the NOS.

Pathways can be displayed by splitting NOS into core and optional depending on the occupational profile.

Core NOS for all pathways

NOS for educational pathway

NOS for industrial pathway