Laboratory and applied science
Work at the bench where new science is tested and made to work.
Paid as an apprentice while you train. Pay varies by employer.
The route
How people get in and grow
Laboratory technicians prepare samples, run tests and keep the equipment and records that research depends on. You can start from an applied science course or straight into an apprenticeship, and the same standards run up to research scientist.
- 1
Start with science
An applied science course, or science GCSEs, shows you the work and keeps the next door open.
Unlocks: Level 2 or Level 3 applied science course
- 2
Become a technician
The laboratory technician apprenticeship pays you while you learn to run tests and look after a lab.
Unlocks: Laboratory technician apprenticeship (Level 3)
- 3
Go deeper
With experience, the research scientist apprenticeship leads to designing and running your own studies.
Unlocks: Research scientist apprenticeship (Level 7)
Ways in
Apprenticeships on this route
- A Level 2 or Level 3 applied science course at a local college
- GCSEs in maths, English and science, which most science employers ask about
- Laboratory technicianLevel 3 · 24 months typical · ST0248
- Research scientistLevel 7 · 30 months typical · ST0759
Typical duration excludes the end-point assessment. Employers set their own entry requirements.
Occupational data from Skills England. © Skills England 2025. This information is licensed under the Open Government Licence https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
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