Skip to main content

Forensic scientist apprenticeships

Law and legal | Science and research

Forensic scientist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • University
    You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in: forensic science a related subject like chemistry, biological science, physics or medical sciences It may help to choose a university qualification accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. You'll usually need 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including chemistry. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

     

    Apprenticeship
    You may be able to start by doing a research scientist or a laboratory scientist degree apprenticeship. It will help if you do your apprenticeship with a company that provides forensic science services, or with a police force that has its own in-house lab facilities. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent.

    Direct Application
    You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry. If you want to specialise in recovering data from computers and mobile phones, you'll need relevant experience and qualifications. Useful subjects include computing, electrical engineering, electronics or physics.

    Forensic scientist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
    • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning 
    • knowledge of public safety and security 
    • excellent written communication skills
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks

    Forensic scientist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • perform blood grouping and DNA profiling 
    • analyse fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
    • examine splash patterns and the distribution of particles 
    • analyse handwriting, signatures, ink and paper 
    • provide expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics 
    • research and develop new technologies
    • recover data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment 
    • attend crime scenes, like a murder or fire 
    • give impartial, scientific evidence in court
    Working environment
    You could work on the streets, in a laboratory or in a court. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and emotionally demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Forensic scientist apprenticeships

    With experience, you could move into management and direct other forensics staff as a forensics manager or casework examiner. You could also work as a reporting scientist, acting as an expert witness in court.

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Solicitor Apprentice

    • Law
    • 480.90 p/w
    • Higher Level 7
    • London

    London
    Solicitor Apprentice

    Bristows is a market leading law firm with a global client base across our core sectors of life sciences and technology. The firm has maintained its high standing in the market with the exceptional quality of our lawyers, the strength of our scientific and legal expertise and our unique firm culture driven by our core values.Our firm values, which we very much live, are Ambition, Bravery, Curiosity and Friendliness. These underpin all that we do across both our client work and our internal strategic decision making. We are signatories to the Mindful Business Charter and take our commitment to staff welfare and work life balance very seriously. To find out more about us click here. https:www.bristows.comcareerssolicitorapprenticeships

    More Info & Apply
    Paralegal Apprentice (Salary £16,000 to £17,000)

    • Law
    • 307.76 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Eastbourne

    East Sussex
    Paralegal Apprentice (Salary £16,000 to £17,000)

    This is a great opportunity to join the team as a Paralegal Apprentice at our, you will assist with legal research, drafting documents, and supporting a fee earner. This role provides a solid foundation in legal work and is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in law.

    More Info & Apply
    Data Protection Apprentice (Salary £18,000)

    • Law
    • 346.13 p/w
    • Higher Level 4
    • Manchester

    Lancashire
    Data Protection Apprentice (Salary £18,000)

    This is an amazing opportunity where you will assist with tasks associated with data protection, governance and security across the B2W Group to bolster B2W Groups commitment to data protection and GDPR compliance as well as supporting the wider business to deliver award winning training.

    More Info & Apply
    Physics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced)

    • Laboratory Technician
    • 322.13 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Reading

    Berkshire
    Physics Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced)

    We are AWE. We’re a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

    More Info & Apply
    Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 5 Higher)

    • Laboratory Technician
    • 427.88 p/w
    • Higher Level 5
    • Reading

    Berkshire
    Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 5 Higher)

    We are AWE. We’re a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure. Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK’s nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.

    More Info & Apply
    Solicitor Apprentice

    • Law
    • 485.10 p/w
    • Higher Level 7
    • London

    London
    Solicitor Apprentice

    Our Solicitor Apprenticeship Programme is a career pathway for people seeking to qualify as a solicitor without having to attend university full-time. The programme lasts six years, during which time you will be working across a range of teams, whilst studying one-day a week with BPP University Law School. Throughout the six years, you will earn a competitive salary and we will also cover your entire tuition fees. Furthermore, you will receive guidance and feedback from your work-based supervisor, as well as ongoing support from a dedicated BPP Study Coach. At the end of the programme, you will obtain an LLB (Hons) law degree and the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), giving you the same qualifications as our trainee solicitors.

    More Info & Apply
    Trainee Solicitor (Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship)

    • Law
    • 461.63 p/w
    • Higher Level 7
    • Aldershot

    Hampshire
    Trainee Solicitor (Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship)

    Trainee Criminal Law and Courts Martial Law solicitors wanted!Growing firm wishes to recruit those seeking varied, interesting, and diverse work in a collaborative and supportive environment with the capacity to gain a professional qualification before full qualification as an Assistant Solicitor. You must have a clear and demonstrable interest in the areas of law the firm practises.

    More Info & Apply
    Experience Dentons - Virtual Work Experience Programme

    • Law
    • Competitive p/w
    • Other Employment Opportunity
    • Virtual

    London
    Experience Dentons - Virtual Work Experience Programme

    Experience Dentons is an innovative new virtual work experience program, designed to give you an insight into life as a commercial solicitor at the worlds largest law firm.

    More Info & Apply

    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs