Carrying out technical and scientific activity in laboratories.
This occupation is found in a wide range of science, technology, engineering and manufacturing organisations which could include chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, environmental, engineering, formulated products, consumer products, nuclear, defence, analytical services and academic environments.
The individuals are likely to conduct procedures or experiments in research or laboratory environments. These locations could be wide ranging and could include the completion of field based work.
Scientists are employed across a range of employers from micro through to multinational employers.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to design complex and sustainable scientific investigations and lead on the development of work plans as well as completing scientific procedures using standard and specialist equipment and instrumentation.
Scientists interpret, analyse and evaluate data, present conclusions and justify further investigations.
They apply scientific knowledge, concepts and ideas to address problems and root causes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement. Scientists are likely to be employed in chemical scientist, physicist or biologist related occupations.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with colleagues throughout their working environment. This may typically include technicians, scientists, service engineers, supply chain contacts, technical professionals, business professionals, internal and external customers, other scientists and academics.
An employee in this occupation is responsible for coordinating and applying knowledge of scientific concepts, techniques and practical methods in laboratory and field-based experimentation, diagnostics or analysis.
They are likely to work as part of a wider scientific team, which may include laboratory technologist and laboratory technicians. They deliver scientific value to their organisation, whilst contributing to the development of others.
They are responsible for working safely and ethically and adopting sustainable working practices at all times.
They monitor risk and compliance with regulatory and non-regulatory compliance requirements and procedures and operate within organisational codes of conduct.
They are responsible for maintaining their continuous professional development and for providing support to colleagues.
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 60 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 scientist, the qualification required is:
Scientist (Chemical Scientist/ Physicist/ Biological Scientist) degree that fully aligns with the KSBs within the apprenticeship standard
Presentation with questions
You will produce and deliver a presentation to an independent assessor. You must submit your presentation slides and any supporting materials to the EPAO by the end of week 2 of the EPA period. The presentation and questions will last at least 75 minutes. The independent assessor will ask you at least 6 questions.
Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have a professional discussion with an independent assessor. It will last 100 minutes. They will ask you at least 10 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
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.Reasonable adjustments
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 Science Council for The Science Council for Registered Scientist (RSci). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for RSci through a shortened application route. Individuals also need to be a member of a professional body that is licensed by the Science Council to be awarded this status. Further information is on the Science Council’s website.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Royal Society of Chemistry for Associate Member (AMRSC)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Royal Society of Biology for Member (MRSB)
Please contact the professional body for more details.
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