Level 3 -
Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) – Pharmaceutical

Overview

Our Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard for Science Manufacturing Technicians is recognised by the Science Council and the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles of Aseptic Pharmaceuticals Processing integrated qualification is accredited by Open Awards.

What the course includes

This apprenticeship is relevant to both the aseptic pharmaceuticals and biotechnology manufacturing sectors, whereby apprentices develop knowledge and skills to run and maintain the manufacturing process and work within operational parameters. Apprentices will conduct quality assurance, resolving or escalating any issues, and complete records. Furthermore, our apprentices will maintain workplace safety by following health, safety and environmental risk and management systems. Apprentices will also learn to take part in risk assessment and improvement activities, and support audits. Apprentices will be placed on the appropriate option relevant to their specialism; either biotechnology or aseptic pharmaceuticals.

As part of your Science Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship, you will also apply core scientific concepts, e.g. chemistry, biology, and microbiology, to the service you provide and gain a broader understanding of how these principles of science influence your role and industrial manufacturing processes. This includes understanding chemical reactions, measurements, and safety protocols, recognising how they ensure product quality, compliance, and safety.

Free optional add-on

The Pre and In Process Checking Framework (PIPC) is provided as a free, optional add on to applicants applying to undertake the Science Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship. 

Skills4 has been nationally accredited by the NHS Aseptic Services Accreditation Group (ASAG) to deliver this framework as part of the learner’s apprenticeship. 

This is an excellent opportunity for learners on the programme to apply their new knowledge and skills to aseptic checking principles and gain experience and additional responsibilities that are a fundamental element of the aseptic processing system. If you choose not to pursue this accreditation, it will have no influence on a learner’s ability to meet the required standards of the SMT apprenticeship. 

If an applicant wishes to complete the PIPC accreditation, as part of their SMT apprenticeship, this is to be confirmed during the applicant's enrolment. 

Entry Requirements

To enrol onto this course, English and Maths requirements differ depending on the learner’s age:
 
For learners aged 16–18: It is mandatory to either already hold, or be able to work towards and achieve, the required English and Maths qualifications as part of the apprenticeship. These must be completed prior to gateway.

For learners aged 19 and over: It is recommended that applicants hold GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above (or an equivalent qualification). If evidence of prior achievement is not available at enrolment, learners may choose to complete these subjects separately through Skills4, with full funding and support provided.

While English and Maths are optional for adult learners to enrol onto this apprenticeship, completing them is strongly advised — particularly for those intending to progress to a higher-level qualification in the future.

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