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Healthcare Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice
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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
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
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
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Where you'll work
Addenbrookes Hospital
Hills Road
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
CB2 0QQ
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
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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
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).
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.
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.
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