About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A Scientist at level 6 works within a scientific discipline - such as chemistry, biology, physics, or materials science - to design experiments, gather data, and generate knowledge that solves real-world problems in industry. This degree apprenticeship is typically offered by large science employers and leads to incorporated or chartered scientist status. Graduates progress to lead scientist, specialist, or research management roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced scientific theory and laboratory skills in your chosen discipline
Experimental design, data analysis, and statistical interpretation
Quality management systems such as ISO 17025 in scientific work
Scientific writing and communication of findings to technical and non-technical audiences
Regulatory and ethical frameworks relevant to your scientific field
Project management and teamwork in a scientific R&D or operational environment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Design and carry out scientific experiments to answer defined questions
Analyse and interpret data using appropriate statistical methods
Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and scientific records
Write technical reports and present findings to colleagues and managers
Operate and maintain specialist scientific instruments and equipment
Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and business teams on projects
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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