Technician Scientist

A Technician Scientist may carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing and perform various technical support functions across the organisation. Technician Scientists are expected to work both individually and as part of a laboratory team.

Benefits of the programme   

This programme is an ideal starting point for anyone looking to work in the chemical or bioscience industry. Working as part of a wider scientific team, Technician Apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a qualified technician. Many of our Technician Scientists have progressed onto further studies such as Clinical Trials Specialist or Research Scientist apprenticeships. 

During the programme, apprentices learn how to work safely in a laboratory while following appropriate safety, environmental and risk management systems. Apprentices will gain skills in using instrumentation and laboratory equipment and become competent in analysing, interpreting, and evaluating data. 

Apprentices will cover a range of different modules in Chemical Science or Bioscience, and all apprentices will cover modules in GXP and Business Improvement, in addition to taking part in a workplace problem-solving project for their end-point assessment.  

Duration and Commitment   

This apprenticeship will last for three years and three months, including the end-point assessment. This course is delivered remotely, with face-to-face teaching taking place during yearly summer schools. 

You will receive academic support and meetings with a dedicated Apprenticeship Advisor every 8-12 weeks throughout the course.  

Apprentices are expected to take one study day each week to complete their off-the-job training. Apprentices will spend the rest of their time in the workplace.  

Entry requirements   

You will need two A-Levels (or equivalent), including Chemistry or Biology, depending on the route you are taking. Alternatively, you must have completed a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship in a relevant science discipline. 

You need to hold a GCSE in English and Maths (or equivalent qualification).  

Applicants without these qualifications will be looked at on a case-by-case basis, and any evidence of previous study and work-placed experience will be considered.  

Fees and funding   

Maximum funding for this apprenticeship is £21,000. For Levy employers, 100% of training costs are covered by the Apprenticeship Levy. For smaller employers, up to 95% of the costs can be covered by government co-investment.   

Modules  

Bioscience Year 1:  

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules:    

• Cell Biology 
• Biochemistry 
• Microbiology 
• Applied Chemistry 
• Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills  

Or: 

• Biology of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Cells 
• Biochemistry 
• Applied Chemistry  
• Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills 
• Human Physiology and Disease 

Bioscience Year 2:  

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules:    

•  Human Physiology & Disease 
• Metabolism & Enzymology 
• Business Improvement 
• GxP 
• Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills 

Or: 

• Metabolism & Enzymology  
• Business Improvement 
• GxP 
• Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills  
• Applied Microbiology 
• Infection and Immunity 

Bioscience Year 3: 

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules:   

• Applied Microbiology  
• Infection and Immunity 
• Pharmacology 
• Company Based Project 

Or: 

• Pharmacology 
• Company Based Project 
• Research Methods 
• Drug Discovery & Development  

Bioscience Year 4:  

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules: 

• Research Methods 
• Drug Discovery and Development 
• Company Based Laboratory Research Project 

They then choose three optional modules from the list below:  

• Nanomedicine 
• Biopharmaceuticals & Gene Therapy 
• Clinical Pharmacology 
• Advanced Immunology & Microbiology 
• Advanced Therapeutic Agents 

Bioscience Year 5:  

Company Based Laboratory Research Project  

Chemical Science Year 1: 

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules: 

• Organic Chemistry 
• Physical Chemistry  
• General and Inorganic Chemistry  
• Basic Analytic Chemistry  
• Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills  

Or:  

• Organic Chemistry 
• Physical Chemistry  
• General & Inorganic Chemistry  
• Basic Analytical Chemistry  
• Basic Laboratory/Industry Skills 
• Introduction to Polymer Chemistry  

Chemical Science Year 2:   

Apprentices take the following compulsory module: 

• Introduction to Polymer Chemistry 

They then choose one of two module blocks from the list below:   

• Biochemistry 
• Microbiology  
• Business Improvement 
• GxP 
• Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills  

Or: 

• Biochemistry 
• Business Improvement 
• GxP 
• Advanced Laboratory/Industry Skills 
• Optional Module 
• Optional Module  

Chemical Science Year 3:  

• Company Based Project 

Apprentices choose 3 of 4 module blocks from the list below (one to be taken in Year 2): 

• Separation Science 
• Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry  
• Introduction to Drug Synthesis 
• Pharmacology 

Or: 

• Company Based Project 

Apprentices choose 3 of 4 module blocks from the list below (one to be taken in Year 2):

• Separation Science 
• Spectroscopic Methods in Organic Chemistry  
• Introduction to Drug Synthesis 
• Pharmacology 

Chemical Science Year 4:   

Apprentices take the following compulsory modules: 

• Research Methods 
• Organic Chemistry 

Apprentices choose 3 of 4 module blocks from the list below: 

• Computational Chemistry  
• Analytical Chemistry 
• Nanomedicine 
• Advanced Therapeutic Agents 

Or:  

• Computational Chemistry  
• Analytical Chemistry 
• Nanomedicine 
• Advanced Therapeutic Agents 
• Company Based Laboratory Research Project  

Chemical Science Year 5: 

Company Based Laboratory Research Project  

Start Dates 

We offer start dates in September, October, January, and April for this programme. The cut-off for applications is normally one month prior to the start of the course.

Next Steps

Employers and Employees

Our team are there to offer support with developing apprenticeships in your organisation, be it upskilling existing employees or recruiting for new roles.

Contact us by emailing recruitapprenticeships@kent.ac.uk or by calling 01634 888467 (9:30am - 4pm Monday to Friday).

 Students and Prospective Apprentices

Apprenticeships are available to those already employed in a relevant position and require the support of an employer to take part. If you are not already employed in a relevant role, please visit our please visit our Becoming an Apprentice page.

There are two academic programmes that underpin the Technician Scientist Standard (Level 5):

FdSc in Applied Bioscience or
FdSc in Applied Chemical Sciences