Delivered by experienced science professionals, our applied science apprenticeships lead to recognised qualifications and professional registration opportunities, such as RSciTech. Whether entering at Level 3 or progressing to Levels 4 and 5, learners gain the technical and transferable skills needed to succeed in fast-paced scientific environments.
Duration: 18 - 24 Months
Duration: 20-24 Months
Duration: 20 - 36 Months
CSR has been delivering Laboratory based apprenticeships for over 12 years. Our training is structured to help apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviour needed to work safely in a lab.
Laboratory apprenticeships are designed to develop lab skills and abilities as well as a right first time attitude in your staff. Typical duties can be lab stocking, decontamination, reagent preparation, quality assurance processes, equipment and instrument maintenance as well as data processing and communication. Higher level apprentices could go on to be involved in the management of health and safety processes, scientific investigations and deliver training to other members of the team.
Standard apprenticeships have been developed by employers for employers in a group called Trailblazers. These early adopter organisations helped to shape the structure and content of these apprenticeships to give employers in the science sector more control over content and quality. Since this process proved that this style of apprenticeship could be successful many more standard apprenticeships have been developed for all sectors.
Science sector standards now have an end point assessment process that ensures the learner has the ability to demonstrate the key core elements of the programme they have undertaken. This processes generates a grade for the overall apprenticeship that is either Fail, Pass or Distinction thus ensuring that those high achievers are distinguishable from those that meet the standard but are less capable.
The programme is either 24 or 36 months in duration (level 3 and 5 respectively) and starts with an Apprentice Training Plan, developed by the employer and the training provider, once agreed the apprentice is recruited and an initial assessment is carried out into their overall ability in English and Mathematics. From this point on the delivery and content for standard apprenticeships is all about Gateway. This is a checkpoint that ensures all mandated elements of the standard are complete and all parties are happy for the apprentice to move into the End Point Assessment window.
They are work-based training programmes combining paid employment with structured learning. Apprentices develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed for science careers in laboratories, manufacturing, and technical industries.
The main science standards at present are:
Laboratory Technician (Level 3) – working in labs to carry out experiments, tests, and analyses.
Science Manufacturing Technician (Level 3) – operating and monitoring production processes in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals.
Technician Scientist (Level 5) – applying scientific principles to research, development, and technical problem-solving in industry.
Anyone aged 16+ not in full-time education, who meets the entry requirements. Typically, Level 3 apprenticeships require GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science. The Level 5 Technician Scientist standard usually requires A levels (including science subjects) or a completed Level 3 apprenticeship.
Lab Tech (L3): 24 months
Science Manufacturing Tech (L3): 24–30 months
Technician Scientist (L5): 36–42 months
Lab Tech (L3): Laboratory Technician, QC Analyst, R&D Support Technician
Science Manufacturing Tech (L3): Process Technician, Production Technician, Manufacturing Operator
Technician Scientist (L5): Associate Scientist, Laboratory Supervisor, R&D Scientist, Process Development Scientist
Practical lab techniques and use of equipment
Preparing and testing samples
Data recording, interpretation, and reporting
Quality, safety, and regulatory compliance
Safe set-up, operation, and monitoring of production equipment
Working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Quality control and testing during manufacturing
Troubleshooting and continuous improvement processes
Applying scientific knowledge to solve problems
Designing and conducting experiments
Data analysis and technical reporting
Project management and scientific communication
Specialist knowledge in chosen discipline (chemistry, biology, materials, etc.)
Training is split between:
On-the-job learning: working with qualified scientists and technicians in real workplaces.
Off-the-job training: at least 20% of time spent in structured learning (college, university, or training provider sessions).
Yes. Each apprenticeship ends with an End-Point Assessment (EPA). This may include a written test, practical observation, portfolio review, and professional discussion.
Yes. Apprenticeships are designed as progression routes:
Level 3 → Level 5 Technician Scientist → Degree or higher apprenticeships (e.g., Laboratory Scientist Level 6).
Apprenticeships may also support professional registration (e.g., Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) or Registered Scientist (RSci) with professional bodies).
Build a skilled workforce tailored to business needs
Support succession planning and staff retention
Improve compliance and quality standards through trained staff
Use apprenticeship levy or government funding to reduce training costs
Large employers (paying the Apprenticeship Levy) use their levy to fund training.
Smaller employers (non-levy payers) pay 5% of training costs, with the government covering 95%.
Training providers and colleges deliver the structured learning, help prepare apprentices for assessment, and ensure off-the-job training requirements are met.
