Apprentice Laboratory Assistant FERA SCIENCE LIMITED

What you will do in your working day

Our teams are investigating plant and bee health, crop protection and sustainable agriculture. Join us and discover better as you deliver world-class science for the future.

Use your passion for science and practical mindset to kickstart your career in a dynamic and varied work environment. Here, you’ll progress, learn and develop within our world while working for a leading science company. You don’t need experience, just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, and we’ll give you all the tools and resources you need. With on-the-job training, this is your chance to build new and valuable lab skills whilst gaining a recognised qualification - Level 4 (Cert HE) Biological Sciences with Level 3 apprenticeship.

What you'll be doing:

• Supporting in the core laboratories
• Responding to emergency delivery needs as they arise
• Attending York College and University Centre one day a week (term time only)
• Working independently as well as part of a team
• Driving transformation in the plant protection programme

What’s in it for you?

​23 days’ holiday (rising to 27) with the opportunity to buy extra leave. 
Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking. 
The opportunity to take a paid day out of the office, volunteering for our charity partners or a cause of your choice. 

Company matched pension, life assurance, a cycle2work scheme, 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, paternity pay of two weeks…and plenty more. 

Voluntary benefits designed to suit your lifestyle - from discounts on retail and socialising, to health and wellbeing, travel and technology. 
Access to our Employee Network Groups, which represent every strand of diversity and allow colleagues to connect and learn from each other on an open, inclusive platform.

The training you will be getting

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Level 3.

Alongside the apprenticeship you will aslo styde the HNC in Applied Science - Biology Pathway as required by the employer.

What will I study?

You will work towards the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science which will include:

• Work safely in a laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems
• Follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace
• Prepare for laboratory tasks using the appropriate scientific techniques, procedures and methods
• Perform laboratory tasks following specified methodologies, such as Standard Operating Procedures
• Use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required
• Produce reliable, accurate data and keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
• 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
• Apply scientific techniques for data presentation. e.g. statistics
  Recognise problems and apply appropriate scientific methods to identify causes and achieve solutions
• Participate in continuous business performance improvement

HNC in Applied Science - Biology pathway (optional):

This course will develop you with a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of Applied Sciences through three core units:

• Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
• Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
• Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
• Core units (Mandatory)
• Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques 15 4
• Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
• Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences (Pearson-set)
• Cell Biology
• Fundamentals of Chemistry
• Anatomy and Human Physiology
• Proposed specialist units
• Fundamentals of biochemistry
• Work-based investigation

Method of delivery:

The Apprenticeship delivery involves a blended learning method, using classroom discussion and our virtual learning environment to enhance learning. Apprentices will have a day release to attend College to study the qualification. The apprenticeship will also have progress reviews and observations in the workplace on a 6-8-week basis, checking necessary progress.

How will I be assessed?

There are three parts to End-Point Assessment for the Level 3 apprenticeship:

• The Knowledge Test assesses an apprentices ability for knowledge recall to enable working safely, maintain accuracy and work cost-effectively. This will involve a multiple-choice question test, with some answers related to a given scenario
• The Observation with Questioning is an observation in the workplace of the ability of the apprentice to perform laboratory tasks following specific procedures, working safely, and demonstrating an understanding of the data produced.

The Structured Interview covers the whole Apprenticeship Standard and is an opportunity to present evidence to support elements of the standard that were not possible to demonstrate in the observation.
HNC in Applied Science - Biology pathway (optional):

Assessment will be by a variety of methods including:

• Examination
• Assignment
• Open book exam
• Practical assessment
• Presentation

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

Full time employment.