Healthcare Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridgeshire (CB2 0QQ)

Closes in 16 days (Friday 14 August 2026)

Posted on 29 July 2026

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Summary

We are delighted to offer Healthcare Science Level 3 Apprenticeships across our Pathology Directorate. Pathology is the study of the causes and effects of disease on the human body, which underpins every aspect of patient care, from diagnostic testing and treatment advice to using cutting-edge genetic technologies and preventing disease.

• Wage:

  £16,258 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  After 12 months in post, the salary will increase to the National Minimum Wage.

• Training course: Laboratory technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday normal office hours, times to be discussed and agreed (i.e., 8am to 4pm / 8.30am to 4.30pm / 9am to 5pm).

  37 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 28 September 2026

• Duration:

  2 years 3 months

• Positions available:

  2

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

• To assist with the day-to-day laboratory processes e.g., maintaining laboratory instruments, logs etc. using standard operating procedures
• To assist with day-to-day housekeeping within the laboratory
• Collect samples from main pathology and GP specimen reception, clinics and wards as appropriate in a timely manner
• Requisition entry of samples in Beaker following local SOP
• Use laboratory information system (LIMS) to record sample storage after analysis
• Scan sample request cards and other associated paperwork into LIMS
• Carry out routine laboratory maintenance: cleaning centrifuges, defrosting freezers, cleaning water baths, etc.
• Carry out pre-analytical sample preparation as appropriate
• Under supervision and where commensurate with role, carry out analytical processes using standard operating procedures
• Under supervision, set up and carry out routine maintenance on laboratory analysers
• Follow all health and safety procedures throughout
• Assist in reagent stock management
• Preparation of buffers and reagents
• Cleaning and maintenance of pipettes
• Record stock requirements, deliveries and maintain storeroom
• Maintain clear, full and accurate records of work carried out
• Liaise with senior staff concerning problems that may arise
• Assist in the maintenance of general laboratory records and filing systems
• Actively participate and contribute to laboratory staff meetings

Where you'll work

Addenbrookes Hospital
Hills Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB2 0QQ

Training

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

Training provider

CSR SCIENTIFIC TRAINING LIMITED

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

• Come and join us and be supported to earn as you learn whilst undertaking a nationally recognised qualification
• You will study a Laboratory Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship
• You will have regular online sessions with the training provider
• Additional training will be given in the workplace

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (or equivalent) (grade 4/C or above)
• Maths (or equivalent) (grade 4/C or above)
• Science (or equivalent) (grade 4/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
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Team working
• Enthusiasm
• Positive work ethic
• Keen to learn
• Adaptable to change
• Motivated
• Flexible
• Punctual
• Ability to prioritise workload
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Desire to work in a laboratory
• Understand confidentiality

Other requirements

We are looking to start a new cohort of science apprentices in East Genomics (Cambridge Genomics Laboratory).

About this employer

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together- safe, kind, excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population. 

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Towards the end of the apprenticeship contract, and with support from the department and a dedicated apprenticeship team, you will have gained the knowledge and experience to enable you to apply for your next step in employment. We have a high percentage of previous apprentices who have successfully gained permanent employment with us and have gone on to do the Biomedical Science Degree (Level 6) Apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Seana Anderson

seana.anderson1@nhs.net

01223 808931

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045454.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 14 August 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.