Level 3 Laboratory Technician Standard

Transcription

1 Developing today s workforce, creating tomorrow s. Level 3 Laboratory Technician Standard (Lab Tech) Introduction New Apprenticeship Standards have been developed by employers. The Life Sciences & Industrial Science Trailblazer group facilitated by Cogent has developed a number of science industry based apprenticeship standards including the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Standard. The Apprenticeship Standard outlines the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to be a Laboratory Technician. The Trailblazer employer group includes: Actavis, Aesica Pharmaceuticals, Broughton Laboratories, Essar, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, GSK, Growhow, Ineos, Lotte Chemical UK, Lucite, Medimmume, Pfizer, SABIC UK Petrochemicals, Sellafield, Sembcorp, Seralab, Syngenta, Synergy Outsourcing, University of Westminster, Victrex, SSI Steel, Conoco Phillips, Barts Health Pharmaceuticals (NHS), Royal Society of Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Engineers, Society of Biology, Science Council. cogentskills.com

2 Funding and Costs Funding to undertake this apprenticeship is available for employers. A funding band maximum of 21k has been set for this standard and Levy paying employers have access to this to support delivery of the apprenticeship. Non-levy paying employers or employers who have used all their levy will need to co-fund 10% of the funding band. Cogent Skills Training can work with the employer to access the available Levy and ensure the apprenticeship training programme is funded. The funding will be used to cover: End Point Assessment Fee Professional Competence and Knowledge Support Knowledge Qualification Support Materials Comprehensive Learner Assessment and Diagnostic (BKSB) Awarding Body Registration and Certification Administrative Support Maths and English Support All support and training is customised to the needs of the learner and employer. Fees and financial structure can be discussed on an individual basis in order to meet the needs of the employer and the apprentice. Professional Bodies The Royal Society of Chemistry, the Royal Society of Biology and the Science Council are part of the Trailblazer development group. The Level 3 Laboratory Technician Standard is recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) level. Laboratory Technicians Laboratory technicians work in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies, utilities, education and analytical science services. Laboratory technicians are expected to work both individually and as part of a team. They are able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work that is undertaken. They are proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. Example Job Roles: Laboratory Technician Industry (including Pharmaceutical, Life Sciences, Chemical, Oil and Gas, Refineries, Nuclear, Utilities and Polymer) Laboratory Technician Schools, Colleges and Universities Research and Development Technician Animal Science Technician Analytical Chemistry Technician Colour Technologist Forensic Science Technician Microbiology Technician

3 About the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship A lab technician apprentice will learn: To work safely in a laboratory To follow quality procedures Regulatory requirements of the industry and laboratory Technical skills to fulfil their role How to produce, analyse and interpret data, including the application of statistical techniques To communicate scientific information appropriately To use appropriate scientific methods to identify the causes of problems and produce solutions Laboratory technicians will also undertake a Level 3 Science knowledge qualification to support standards completion and evidence 20% off-the-job learning. Apprentices will complete a level 3 or 4 science qualification, which is recognised for professional registration as RSciTech. Example qualifications are BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science (VLE block release) BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Applied Science (VLE block release) BTEC Level 4 HNC Applied Chemistry (Day release classroom delivery) Level 3 Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills (Day release classroom delivery) Learners may also study this apprenticeship with a prior qualification that may exempt them from the knowledge aspect of the programme, this can be discussed with your account manager upon a skills scan being undertaken with the learner(s). Cogent Skills Training Delivery of the Apprenticeship Cogent Skills Training will work with the employer to develop a training plan that best suits the business and an existing member of staff or a new employee. A number of options are available including: Blended teaching training and assessment in the workplace with dedicated professional support, to gain competence and skills. Day release at a partner college to gain the knowledge qualification. Block release to gain the knowledge qualification. Supported distance learning to gain the knowledge qualification. Apprentices must be in employment for the duration of the Apprenticeship. The apprentice must have access to work which provides them with opportunities to develop, practice and evidence knowledge and skills to meet the Standard. Cogent Skills Training also work with other partners to deliver specialist skills and knowledge to meet the needs of each employers sector skills requirements in order to enhance innovation and employee development specific to their industry. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for this role are determined by the employer, however typically 5 GCSEs in Maths, English and Science are desirable. The apprentice must also be either exempt or capable of achieving Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE or Functional Skills) prior to taking End- Point assessment. Duration of Apprenticeship It will typically take 24 months with an additional 3 months for end point assessment preparation to complete this Apprenticeship, although the exact duration will be dependent on the previous experience of the individual. Cogent Skills Training will liaise with the employer to establish the duration of the programme. However, a minimum of 12 months of training must be undertaken to ensure attainment of sufficient skills, knowledge and experience. An additional period of time (typically 2-3 months), will be required for any learner(s) requiring Maths and English functional skills or GCSE study. 24 months

4 Support for Apprentices Apprentices who undertake a programme of study with Cogent Skills Training will be supported by a qualified Tutor/Assessor who will ensure and maintain the welfare and safety of learners throughout their programme. Once enrolled Apprentices will be able to access Cogent Learn a virtual learning environment with resources to support the apprenticeship programme including induction materials, policies and a range of workplace competence materials including: the business environment the regulatory environment environmental management statistics An on-line distance learning option is available to gain the knowledge qualification. Our programme support arrangements ensure short, medium and long term objectives are monitored through a review process that involves the Tutor/Assessor, Employer & Apprentice during which any concerns are addressed to keep progress on track. The range of intervention strategies implemented by Cogent Skills Training staff ensures we can act quickly to put in place additional support, when and where needed. How Employers can get involved All apprentices must have 20% off-the-job training time which must be evidenced and recorded. This can be achieved in a way that benefits both the apprentice and the organisation. There are a number of ways the requirements for off the job training can be met, including: One to one performance review Shadowing a senior worker Attendance at internal & external training courses Research and study periods during working hours Project set up and reviews Recording CPD activities Keeping a reflective log of work activities and lessons learnt Examining a company policy s strengths and weaknesses Exam preparation and portfolio development of project activities Day release for knowledge qualification Block release for knowledge qualification Employers will need to be committed to mentor and support learners towards their apprenticeship to gain employability skills in line with organisational strategies and individual goals. Training Apprenticeship Standards have a final assessment referred to as End Point Assessment. To track the apprentice s progress through the Standard the competence evaluation log is completed when the employer feels that the apprentice has achieved each of the competence statements. Working with the employer we will use a variety of methods to make fair, reliable and valid judgements about the apprentice s performance for each competence. These methods may include records of observations, reflective logs, presentations, appraisals, professional discussions, project work and reports. The type of evidence generated to demonstrate competence will be planned by our assessor, the apprentice and the employer. The employer is ultimately responsible to certify (with the support of the tutor/assessor) prior to end-point assessment, that the learner is fully competent in their job role.

5 Gateway The apprentices must go through the Gateway before being able to undertake End Point Assessment. The Gateway consists of: 1 Certificated Achievement of a knowledge qualification recognised for Registration with a professional Body e.g. BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science 2 Vocational Competence Evaluation Log including evidence of working safely- signed off by the employer 3 Behaviours evaluation outcome completed and signed by employer 4 Mathematics and English GCSE (or level 2 Functional Skills) certificates provided 5 Employer and CST agree the apprentice is ready for End Point Assessment End-point assessment is an overall synoptic assessment that covers the whole Standard. The End-point assessment will be undertaken by an independent assessor and includes Review of the Behaviours Evaluation Log Synoptic Assessment Test Observation of the apprentice in the workplace Vocational Competence Discussion to cover the whole of the apprenticeship standard Scenario Case Study to test understanding of transferable skills and knowledge The independent assessor will review the evidence for each apprentice and grade the apprentice on the following scale: fail/pass/distinction. Progression Opportunity The Trailblazer employers have worked in partnership with professional bodies to define the apprenticeship standard and the assessment plan to ensure that it maps to the requirements for RSciTech set by the Science Council. The scope of the standard and associated assessment plan means that the individuals should not require any future training on completion of their apprenticeship to allow them to apply for professional registration as RSciTech. Unit 5, Mandarin Court, Centre Park Warrington WA1 1GG T: E: info@cogentskills.com