Biotechnologist apprenticeships

Biochemists and biomedical scientists > Biotechnologist

Science and research

Biotechnologist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

a university course

an apprenticeship

working towards this role

University

You'll usually need a degree in a relevant scientific subject, like:

biotechnology
bioscience
microbiology
biochemistry
chemistry or chemical engineering

Employers in sectors like the food and drink industry, will expect you to have some knowledge of the relevant biotechnology specialism. You'll usually need, or be working towards a postgraduate qualification and have several years' experience for a research job.

You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science and 2 or 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree. You'll need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

Apprenticeship

The following degree apprenticeship may be relevant to this role:

Level 6 Laboratory Scientist

You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels, or equivalent.

Work

You could start as a lab technician and work your way up by training on the job. For example, on a part-time degree or a degree apprenticeship.

Professional and industry bodies

You may find it useful to join an organisation like the Science Council for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Biotechnologist apprenticeships - what it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of biology
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work on your own
excellent verbal communication skills
maths knowledge
the ability to work well with others
analytical thinking skills
knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Biotechnologist apprenticeships - what you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day to day duties will depend on your specialism. In environmental biotechnology, you could:

develop micro-organisms and plants to clean polluted land or water
create alternative renewable sources of energy, like biodiesel
produce environmentally friendly raw materials for industry, like biodegradable plastics from plant starches

In industrial biotechnology, you could:

clone and produce enzymes for use in manufacturing food and drink
create biological detergents and dyes for the textiles industry
improve animal feed
develop crops that are more resistant to pests
genetically modify crops to increase productivity

In medical biotechnology and biotherapeutics, you could:

study human genetics, proteins, antibodies, viruses, plants, fungi and bacteria
research and treat diseases like cancer
develop therapies, vaccines and hormones to treat the cause of diseases
produce medicines using techniques like cell culture and genetic modification

Working environment

You could work at a research facility, at a university or in a laboratory. You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression - Biotechnologist apprenticeships

With experience, you could move into scientific journalism, quality assurance management, sales or marketing.

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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!

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