Before applying to this apprenticeship, please check that you meet all entry requirements. 

For entry into year 1 of Level 6 Programme applicants must have the following:

• Pass (Grade O6 or better) in five leaving certificate subjects, one of which must be maths and one science related subject,
• 250 CAO points,

or

• Relevant QQI Level 5 or Level 6 Graduate,
• Current employee with relevant experience and qualifications,

Mature students are also welcome to apply. 

Before enrolment on the apprenticeship programme the apprentice must have:

• An Industry Interview,
• SOLAS apprentice approval.

NB: By completion of the 2 Year Programme, graduates should be allowed to progress to Level 7 Programme. As the first 2 years of the 3 Year Level 7 Programme are the same as the Level 6, Recognised Prior Learning must be allowed, allowing graduates to complete only one additional year to gain Level 7 accreditation.

In advance of completing an application for the Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship it is important to understand the commitment you will need to provide to this programme.

You will follow a learning structure of 3 days on the job and 2 days off the job.

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN MODULES

• TU Dublin
• SETU South East Technological University- Waterford campus (Waterford IT)
• MTU Munster Technological University Bishopstown (Cork IT) 

The Laboratory Technician will be trained to possess the following skills: 

• Demonstrate the ability to operate company equipment and instruments effectively and according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) 

• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a safe manner within the laboratory, 

• Demonstrate the theoretical knowledge of relevant science and technology,

• Handle materials and equipment correctly, paying due regard to safety and environmental protection regulations, 

• Capability to perform basic chemistry techniques to include but not limited to the use of: Pipettes, Auto-Titrations, pH, weighing, diluting to volume, Volumetric calculations, Karl Fischer, Thin Layer Chromatography and physical testing, 

• Ability to identify and note equipment (for sampling, testing and control) mal-operation if it occurs, and informing the senior analyst. 

Soft skills: 

• Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking; listening; writing; body language and presentation

• Work and interact effectively within a team 

• Good technical writing skills 

• Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks 

• Understand impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality 

• Time management and ability to complete work to schedule

• Ability to handle change and respond to change management processes.

Core competencies and behaviours listed:

• Health, Safety and Environmental awareness

• Ability to share knowledge and expertise with others

• Engage in teamwork

• Complete integrity & compliance programs

• Ability to work independently

• Reading comprehension

• Problem solving

• Critical thinking

• Time management

• Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

• Mathematics and statistics

• Continuous professional development

A Laboratory Technician will be expected to: 

• Understand the fundamentals of Science

• Understand the principles of cGMP and GDP

• Understand the quality systems that are in place and their importance.

• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems;

• Understanding of the basic chemistry and microbiological techniques

• Knowledge of pharmacopeias

• Understand safe laboratory and work practices and methods

• Knowledge of methods of receiving and logging samples into a QC laboratory.

• Knowledge of the variety of methods involved in water testing, raw material, in-process, finished product.

• Understand the importance of data integrity, recording results in a timely and accurate fashion.

• Understand the correct labelling of laboratory reagents and samples.

• Knowledge of “out of specification” investigations and “Lab Investigations Reports” processes.

• Knowledge of the purchase systems of QC consumables and liaising with approved suppliers.

• Understanding the various steps in the production process – upstream and downstream

• Knowledge of calibrating laboratory equipment as required. Knowledge of reporting processes and current deficiencies in GLP/GMP.

With the support of leading professionals and companies the apprentice will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary for a successful career in a laboratory environment, while earning a salary. They will also have the opportunity to study in a leading Technological University to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

By completion of the 2 year programme, graduates may be allowed to progress to the Level 7 programme - Laboratory Analyst.

Depending on your skills, knowledge and experience some of the opportunities below might be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway:  

• Springboard & conversion courses  
• Skillnet Sector learning network courses
• Further education training centres
• Post Graduate options
• Higher Education Research & Innovation

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

This apprenticeship is managed by Ibec. If you are interested in a laboratory technician apprenticeship you should make contact with Ibec via the contact details below.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Apprentice Lab Technician & Analyst Brochure.

Further information is also available from the industry lead for this apprenticeship:

Audrey Devlin
Apprenticeship Project Manager
BioPharmaChem Ireland
Ibec
84-86 Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2

E mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @Lab_Apprentice
Web: laboratoryapprenticeships.ie

You can express your interest in the Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship on the Laboratory Apprenticeship website.

                    

Finding an employer and securing your apprenticeship

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

Opportunities for this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations:

• BioPharmaChem Ireland
• Pfizer
• WuXi Biologics

Online Jobsites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

An annual apprentice registration fee of €1,500 applies. For this Laboratory Technician apprenticeship, the employer pays the apprentice for the duration of the apprenticeship. The rate of pay is agreed between the employer and the apprentice.

Apprentices complete their off-the-job training in a higher education institution, for which they are required to pay a student contribution.

The amount payable is a proportion of the annual student contribution for students attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution over the 2 years

Laboratory Technician

Year 1	€1,500
Year 2	€1,500
Total Fee	€3,000