Working with laboratory animals.
This occupation is found in a range of organisations, typically including charities, universities, pharmaceutical companies, breeders, contract research organisations and biotechnology research and development organisations. The nature of the work and species that are used will depend on the organisation, some work in very specific fields using only a few species others, whereas the universities, may be multispecies with a wide range of techniques and research fields. Animal technologists are likely to be laboratory based.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to carry out complex scientific procedures on laboratory animals. This occupation requires a high degree of technical skill and knowledge to ensure that techniques are carried out with a high degree of accuracy and precision, helping to ensure high standards of scientific research and that the welfare of the animals is considered at all times. Animal technologists are required to work with a range of scientific equipment in complex environments. They require a broad knowledge of science, animal anatomy and physiology, technical in-vivo scientific procedures, including aseptic techniques, animal welfare legislation and animal husbandry in order to practice effectively. They also require high levels of manual dexterity.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with a range of internal and external stakeholders. They are required to communicate effectively with their team and the wider research community (including researchers, Home Office Inspectors, named Veterinary Surgeons and named Animal Care and Welfare Officers).
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for carrying out scientific procedures and tasks independently and in compliance with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations 2012 (and other related animal welfare legislation, including the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006). They are required to plan, manage and carry out their own work on time and to the required quality, in accordance with work instructions. An Animal Technologist is likely to operate within a team and report to a supervisor/ line manager.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the animal technologist, the qualification required is:
IAT Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Professional discussion
You will have a professional professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 90 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
Long written test
You will complete a test requiring long written answers. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
The test will have 3 long response written questions. You will have 90 minutes to complete it.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Animal Technology for Membership of the IAT (MIAT)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | End-point assessment plan, standard and funding revised. | 09/11/2022 | Not set |
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 09/06/2017 | 08/11/2022 |
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