Apprentice Laboratory Assistant

FERA SCIENCE LIMITED

York (YO41 1LZ)

Closes on Friday 31 October 2025

Posted on 25 September 2025

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Summary

Use your passion for science and practical mindset to kickstart your career, and we’ll give you all the tools and resources you need. With on-the-job training in a leading science company, this is your chance to build new and valuable skills whilst gaining a recognised qualification; Level 4 (HNC) in Applied Sciences with Level 3 apprenticeship.

Wage

£24,570 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Laboratory technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday, Shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Saturday 1 August 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

3

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Based in Plant Protection supporting in the core laboratories.
  • Contribute towards pathogen diagnosis in the laboratory to support plant protection within the UK and overseas for both commercial and government
  • 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 program

Where you'll work

York Biotech Campus
Sand Hutton
York
YO41 1LZ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

YORK COLLEGE

Training course

Laboratory technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
  • Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
  • Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
  • Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
  • Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
  • Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
  • Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
  • Complete documentation proficiently
  • Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
  • Contribute to the preparation of reports.
  • Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
  • Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
  • Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
  • Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
  • Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
  • Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
  • Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
  • Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results
  • Comply with health and safety policies and procedures including HASWA, COSHH, risk assessments, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), manual handling, emergency procedures.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping, in accordance with organisation Standard Procedures
  • Order and control stocks of laboratory materials where required
  • Identify, organise and use resources effectively to complete tasks applying the concepts of resource efficiency e.g energy, water and waste
  • Adhere to internal and external regulatory requirements e.g. GLP, GMP, GDP
  • Prepare for, and perform, laboratory experiments, tests or tasks following any specified methodologies to provide reliable, accurate data e.g. weighing, pipetting, filtering, spectroscopic techniques, chromatography techniques
  • Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instruments and equipment
  • Report faults and seek diagnostic advice to maintain equipment in good working order, including calibration where required
  • Complete documentation proficiently
  • Keep accurate records of laboratory work undertaken and results
  • Contribute to the preparation of reports.
  • Use simple statistical techniques for data presentation and evaluation e. g calculation of median and standard deviation, production of graphs
  • Demonstrate problem solving techniques including identification of sources of error and how they can be reduced e.g. human error
  • Use standard software packages and applications e.g. Microsoft Office suite
  • Use Laboratory Information Management systems to support their work
  • Address non-routine problems with samples and instrumentation, within defined areas
  • Identify relevant information from scientific sources e.g. supervisors, literature etc. in order to contribute to solutions
  • Participate in continuous performance improvement of systems and processes relevant to the work environment e.g. workplace organisation techniques, accreditation (e.g. ISO, UKAS) and proficiency testing.
  • Evaluate data, recognise and call attention to anomalous or unusual results

Training schedule

  • Laboratory Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
  • Attending York College and University Centre one day a week (term time only)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

A Level in:

Biology or Chemistry (grade C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working

About this employer

Fera Science's origins in delivering world-class science began over 100 years ago as the Institute for Plant Pathology services. True to our heritage we are proud that our continued successes helps to address some of today’s biggest challenges, including coping with the impact of global population growth and the need to make efficient sustainable use of natural resources. Our innovations form the basis for sustainable and profitable business activity and are key to achieving leadership positions in all of our markets.

https://www.fera.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (Biology Pathway) & Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship. ​25 days’ holiday. Flexible working hours, on-site gym, restaurant, and free parking.

After this apprenticeship

  • The opportunity to apply for permanent Assistant Scientist postions
  • Level 6 (degree) Laboratory Scientist apprenticeship is also available

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

YORK COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000343735.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 31 October 2025

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