Laboratory Technician Apprentice

The Biograd Group; Liverpool; Hybrid; GBP 9,000 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

BioGrad Education is recruiting a Laboratory Technician Apprentice in Liverpool to support teaching and lab operations while completing a Level 3 apprenticeship. You will perform supervised duties, help prepare practical activities and ensure safe lab operations.

Training, progress reviews and portfolio evidence are part of the role. This full-time apprenticeship offers a structured programme, opportunities to assist lecturing staff and learners across science courses, and a clear path to

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4/C or above, or willing to complete during apprenticeship.
• GCSE Science at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Maintain clean, orderly laboratory areas and equipment.
• Prepare reagents under instruction and in accordance with protocols.
• Assist with mammalian cell lines and bacterial stocks as trained.
• Prepare equipment and workspace for practical teaching sessions.
• Support learners and staff in practical delivery and supervision.

Skills

Follow instructions

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Communication skills

Microsoft Office/Excel

Education

GCSE Maths & English (4/C) or equivalent

GCSE Science (4/C) or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

BioGrad Education is seeking a Laboratory Technician Apprentice to support teaching and laboratory operations while completing a recognised Level 3 apprenticeship programme.

Working as part of the laboratory and education team, you will undertake supervised laboratory duties, help prepare practical teaching activities and support the safe, clean and effective operation of our laboratories.

You will receive structured training and supervision to develop your practical laboratory, organisational and professional skills while completing the required apprenticeship learning, progress reviews, assessments and portfolio evidence.

The role will also involve supporting lecturing staff and learners across science courses, summer schools and other undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational programmes.

This opportunity would suit a reliable, careful and enthusiastic individual with a genuine interest in science who wants to develop hands‑on laboratory skills and build a career within a technical or scientific environment.

National Minimum Wage applicable to the apprentice.

Location

Liverpool

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Support

• Maintain clean, orderly and appropriately controlled laboratory areas and equipment as part of the laboratory team.
• Prepare and aliquot reagents under instruction and in accordance with approved protocols.
• Assist with the maintenance of mammalian cell lines and bacterial stocks once appropriately trained and authorised.
• Prepare laboratory equipment, consumables and work areas for practical teaching sessions.
• Assist with routine laboratory techniques, which may include serial dilutions, PCR, Western blotting, cell culture and microbiology, within the limits of your training and competence.
• Clean, check and store equipment after use and promptly report faults, damage, contamination or shortages.
• Segregate and dispose of laboratory waste in accordance with approved procedures.
• Undertake other supervised laboratory duties appropriate to the apprenticeship and your developing competence.

Apprenticeship Training and Development

• Actively participate in the apprenticeship programme and complete required learning, assignments, practical observations, portfolio evidence and assessments within agreed timescales.
• Attend scheduled training with the approved training provider and make effective use of protected training time.
• Participate in regular progress reviews with your line manager and training provider.
• Work towards the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the relevant apprenticeship standard and prepare for end‑point assessment where applicable.
• Maintain accurate evidence of learning and workplace development.
• Complete English and mathematics learning where this forms part of the apprenticeship requirements.
• Maintain satisfactory attendance, punctuality, conduct and progress throughout both employment and apprenticeship training.

Laboratory Administration and Stock

• Carry out regular stock checks and assist with restocking laboratory equipment, PPE, consumables and reagents.
• Assist with ordering, receiving, checking, recording, storing and distributing laboratory deliveries and stock.
• Maintain accurate stock, equipment, cleaning, preparation and laboratory records.
• Assist with course documentation, checklists and other laboratory records.
• Use Microsoft Office, including Excel, and other approved systems accurately and securely.
• Complete reasonable administrative duties associated with laboratory operations, teaching delivery and the apprenticeship.
• Protect confidential, personal and commercially sensitive information.

Learner and Teaching Support

• Support lecturing staff with practical delivery across A Level science courses, summer schools and other undergraduate, postgraduate or vocational programmes.
• Provide learners with courteous and professional practical support under the direction of lecturing or technical staff.
• Help demonstrate safe laboratory behaviours and reinforce instructions within the limits of your training and competence.
• Prepare learner workstations, resources and equipment before sessions and restore laboratory areas afterwards.
• Raise any safety, welfare, conduct or safeguarding concerns promptly with the responsible member of staff.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and contribute to an inclusive, respectful and supportive learning environment.

Health, Safety and Quality

• Follow laboratory safety rules, standard operating procedures, risk assessments, COSHH controls, quality requirements and instructions.
• Wear and help maintain required personal protective equipment and report any shortages or defects.
• Assist trained and authorised colleagues with laboratory documentation, including COSHH assessments and risk assessments.
• Follow procedures relating to chemical or biological spillages, fire alarms, first aid, accidents, incidents and near misses.
• Promptly report hazards, unsafe behaviour, equipment faults, accidents, incidents, near misses and quality concerns.
• Undertake hazardous activities only where the appropriate training, instruction, supervision and authorisation have been provided.
• Support the safe supervision of learners within laboratory areas.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, audits and inspections by maintaining accurate records and completing agreed actions.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Knowledge

• GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade 4/C or above or equivalent, or willingness and eligibility to complete the required English and mathematics learning as part of the apprenticeship.
• GCSE Science at grade 4/C or above or equivalent.
• Meets the applicable eligibility and funding requirements for the apprenticeship programme.
• Genuine interest in science and laboratory work, with a desire to develop a career in a technical or scientific environment.

Desirable Qualifications

• A Level Biology or Chemistry, or another relevant science qualification.

Previous professional laboratory experience is not required. Candidates should be able to demonstrate an interest in developing practical laboratory skills and a positive approach to learning and professional development.

• Previous experience within a laboratory, education, healthcare or customer-facing environment, including work experience or volunteering.
• Practical or hands‑on laboratory skills appropriate to your current level of training.
• Awareness of molecular biology, microbiology or mammalian cell culture techniques.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, protocols and safety controls accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and a careful, methodical approach to practical tasks and record keeping.
• Good written and verbal communication skills and confidence to ask questions or raise concerns when needed.
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a small team and behave professionally with learners, colleagues and stakeholders.
• Reliable, punctual and organised, with the ability to manage routine tasks and apprenticeship deadlines.
• Positive attitude towards learning, feedback and continuous development.
• Basic competence in Microsoft Office, including Excel, or willingness to learn.
• Awareness of confidentiality, data protection and the importance of accurate records.
• Commitment to safeguarding, professional boundaries, equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
• Confidence carrying out practical, hands‑on tasks.
• An interest in developing knowledge of laboratory techniques including molecular biology, microbiology and cell culture.

Additional Information

This is a full-time Level 3 apprenticeship position working 35 hours per week.

The 35-hour working week includes one day for apprenticeship learning. This may take place on site, off site or with the training provider depending on the requirements and delivery arrangements of the apprenticeship.

The successful candidate will be expected to complete all required apprenticeship learning, assessments and progress reviews and maintain the required evidence of workplace development.

The postholder may occasionally be required to support other BioGrad Education sites or teams. Any travel requirement will be confirmed for the relevant vacancy and reasonable notice will be provided where practicable.

The role requires compliance with BioGrad Education policies and procedures, including safeguarding and Prevent requirements, health and safety, data protection and mandatory training.

The postholder may also be asked to train as a workplace first aider where appropriate to the site and role, following successful approved training and formal appointment.

Pay: National Minimum Wage applicable to the apprentice

Job type: Full-time apprenticeship, 35 hours per week

Location: Liverpool