This apprenticeship has options. This document is currently showing the following option:
Apply a process or processes to create products to a specification.
Science manufacturing technicians are found in the process manufacturing sector.
This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must complete the core and one option relevant to their occupation. The options are:
Biotechnology manufacturing technicians produce biological products such as proteins, antibodies, and DNA. These may be used in pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, food and feed, detergents, paper, textiles, and biofuels. The final product may be solid or liquid and may be filled into small volume bottles or large bulk containers. Typically, batch processing is used. They may work in a controlled environment, such as laboratory or clean room, or production facilities. Biotechnology has an important role to play in helping to address many global problems, such as climate change. For example, synthetic biology is already contributing to the development of many biological systems producing drugs, chemicals, and fuels without using fossil fuels.
Aseptic pharmaceuticals manufacturing technicians are involved in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products - medicines or drugs. They may be involved in part or all of the process including active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) production and final formulation. APIs are the medical ingredient that goes into medicines. Formulations typically involves the blending of the API and other ingredients. Production may be continuous or batch. Technicians work in highly controlled process areas. This could be in large process plant or small rooms depending on the type of medicine being made and the stage of the process. Typically, they will work in a clean room where air particulates are controlled to stop potential contamination of the product.
Both biotechnology and aseptic pharmaceuticals manufacturing technicians run and maintain the process or processes in line with operational parameters. They conduct quality assurance, resolving or escalating any issues, and complete records. Maintaining workplace safety by following health, safety and environmental risk and management systems is a vital part of the role. They also take part in risk assessment and improvement activities, and support audits.
On a daily basis, they work with other members of the process team. They also have contact with people in other teams for example, laboratory, maintenance, process engineering, supply chain, and warehouse. They may also have contact with external people such as, customers, service providers, and regulators.
They must ensure that the process and products meet quality specifications and are produced to schedule. They must work to external manufacturing regulations to protect the process, product, plant and equipment, company employees, and the environment. They must also consider sustainability. They may need to wear specialist PPE to protect the product or themselves. This may include, safety glasses, chemical resistant gloves, suits and footwear, and breathing apparatus. They may work alone or part of a team. They work with minimal supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of their work.
Biotechnology process technician
Pharmaceutical manufacturing technician
Pharmaceutical process technician
Process technician
Production technician
Science manufacturing technician
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 36 months. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
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:
Observation with questions
You will be observed by an independent assessor completing your work. It will last at least 3 hours. They will ask you at least 5 questions.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 60 minutes. They will ask you at least 8 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.
Multiple-choice test
You will complete a multiple-choice test. It will be closed book, meaning you will not have access to any books or reference materials.
In the test you can have:
The test will have 40 multiple-choice questions. You will have 60 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.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 The Science Council for Registered Science Technician. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and upon receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for RSciTech 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 The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and receipt of the apprenticeship certificate, individuals are eligible to apply for EngTech through a shortened application route. It will need to confirm that the EngTech requirements have been met. Individuals also need to be a member of a professional body licensed by the Engineering Council to be awarded this status. Further information is on the IChemE’s website.
Please contact the professional body for more details.
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 04/03/2024 | Not set |
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