Level 3 -
Science Manufacturing Technician (SMT) – Biotechnology

Overview

Our Level 3 Apprenticeship for Science Manufacturing Technician Standard in Biotechnology is recognised by the Science Council. We offer a bespoke approach for our employers, to ensure that the course content is relevant to the industry and learners needs.

Who is the course for?

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. This will include the assembly of ingredients and consumables and the manufacture of products. We have taken the Level 3 Apprenticeship standard and looked at ways in which we can be sure it meets the needs of employers and provides flexibility and adaptability.

What is covered?

The sequence of teaching and learning is planned to provide a knowledge and skills framework to build progressive steps from induction to module endpoints and apprenticeship standard end point assessment. The apprenticeship aims to build an increasing body of knowledge that enables learners to perform increasingly complex skills in assisting in the biotechnology manufacturing and preparation process, stock management and quality control. British Values are integral to encouraging learners to voice their opinions through various avenues such as online teaching, workbook activities and discussions during the learning programme.

At level 3, there are various topics that apprentices will learn including:

• Biotechnology Manufacture and Preparation Processes
• Clean Room Design and Behaviours
• Health, Safety and Reducing Risk
• Legislation, Regulations and Standards in Biotechnology Principles
• Maintenance and Calibration in Biotechnology

What are the 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.

How will learners be taught?

• Weekly half-day live online sessions delivered on Microsoft Teams by experienced technical professionals
• On-demand, one-to-one support as and when required
• Quarterly formal progress reviews
• Access to our online training platform
• Support from a dedicated educational supervisor in the workplace

Completion of our Science Manufacturing Technician – Biotechnology apprenticeship programme allows learners to register with the Science Council as a Science Technician.

Enrol today