Watered-down apprenticeship could risk lab technicians’ career progression

In a move criticised by employers and professional bodies, the academic qualification that used to come with completing an apprenticeship in England has been quietly removed. Without a qualification, chemistry apprentices could find it difficult to progress to advanced programmes or find employment.

In 2020, the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Ifate) revised the standards for laboratory technician apprenticeship. It replaced the mandatory qualification – such as a BTEC in Applied Science or a higher national certificate – with a requirement for learners to be familiar with ‘theoretical knowledge of named/recognised scientific subject appropriate to the workplace and sector’.