LABORATORY SCIENTIST DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP mmu.ac.uk/study/apprenticeships CONTENTS 2,000 DEGREE 4 About the programme APPRENTICES 6 From our employers’ points of view On 13 programmes 8 A supportive environment 10 Programme delivery and structure AWARD-WINNING 12 Programme units TOP UNIVERSITY 14 Application information DEGREE IN THE UK FOR DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS APPRENTICESHIPS Rate My Apprenticeship Awards 2020 Manchester Metropolitan University is one FINALIST of the most popular universities in the UK, currently educating over 34,000 students. BEST UNIVERSITY The University takes its responsibility TRAINING PROVIDER for creating work-ready graduates very School Leaver Awards 2020 seriously and maintains close industry and business links. Our Degree Apprenticeships are practice- focused. They equip our apprentices with 25+ the skills to ensure they are ready to take on the industrial challenges of tomorrow APPRENTICES and make their mark. We develop our RECOGNISED programmes in partnership with employers, at regional and national awards to meet the needs of industry and individuals. As pioneers of degree apprenticeships, we have become industry leaders, allowing 96% us to build unrivalled partnerships with 1ST OR 2.1 some of the UK’s largest employers and innovative small and medium-sized DEGREES IN 2020 enterprises (SMEs). 400+ EMPLOYERS RATED OUTSTANDING by OFSTED 2018 3 ABOUT THE PROGRAMME Laboratory Science Degree Apprenticeship This established industry-driven and government-supported programme has been developed to address a skills shortage. The programme produces graduate employees through an innovative work-based approach. CO-DEVELOPED WITH FEATURES AND BENEFITS INDUSTRY + Both existing staff and new employees This programme combines and embeds will develop skills and knowledge in business improvement, scientific knowledge providing excellent clinical service. and technical skills that are highly valued + Attract enthusiastic and talented within the workplace. It has been developed students/employees in this area of skills in conjunction with industry. Participants shortage. will develop as confident and capable science professionals in their organisation by + Assessments are tailored around the job integrating academic learning and practical role of the apprentice. on-the-job training. + Utilise targeted government funding and incentives to retain and prepare staff for a significant future within your THE QUALIFICATION organisation. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will achieve a BSc WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? (Hons) Chemical Science Degree. Apprentices CORE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE + Lead continuous performance will be able to apply for Registered Scientist This programme is suitable for those looking improvement within the scientific (RSci) status – one of several recognised to build a science career and who are AND BEHAVIOURS environment. professional status levels from the Royal employed in the chemical, pharmaceutical, On successful completion of the + Knowledge of data analysis tools and Society of Chemistry. materials, food and drink, utility, healthcare, Apprenticeship, students will have statistical techniques for effective aerospace and automotive industries. demonstrated the full range of knowledge, evaluation of results. skills and behaviours defined by the The Laboratory Scientist Degree standard. These include: + Ability to work independently with Apprenticeship has a strong professional and minimal supervision and manage time practical focus, designed to help apprentices + Knowledge of scientific principles and effectively. move into roles such as: theories. + Communicate effectively to a scientific + Scientific team leader + Knowledge of chemical laboratory and non-scientific audience. techniques and skills in carrying out + Technologist scientific experimentation. + Demonstrate reliability, integrity and respect for confidentiality. + Laboratory analyst + Knowledge of principles of project + Laboratory manager management. + Senior scientist + Demonstrated ability to comply with and promote safe working and quality + Process operations manager systems within the workplace. 4 5 FROM OUR EMPLOYERS’ POINT OF VIEW DEVELOPING NSG STAFF NSG research and development has a long history of working with Manchester Met There has been a long history of employee for part-time degree programme provision. development within research and development The University is one of the major providers at NSG, including apprentice development of degree apprenticeships and given our through BTEC, HNC and part-time degree satisfaction with previous programmes it programmes. The introduction of degree seemed only natural to continue our working apprenticeships was considered a win-win relationship. for the business and employees. Degree apprenticeship programmes are funded by the apprenticeship levy at no cost to the A RECOMMENDATION individual. The business makes use of their Manchester Met provides a professional levy contributions while benefitting from and supportive environment for both a better trained and more well-informed the apprentice and the employer. The “Apprentices add massive value and make an workforce. Apprenticeship is well managed, with good online support. Regular feedback sessions with amazing contribution. They come through the LINKING WORK AND STUDY the apprentice, line manager and Manchester Met Skills Coach ensures targets for system which means they get to know the The study the apprentices have undertaken development areas are clearly communicated company procedures inside-out. When they start at the University has, thus far, reinforced and recorded. work practices here at NSG. They have been their own projects they are highly efficient and provided with a much deeper understanding Stuart Jamieson of work place regulation and its importance benefit the company greatly.” Team Leader for Chemical Analysis and with regard to health, safety, quality and Spectroscopy at NSG, overseeing their environmental issues. Laboratory Scientist degree apprentices The Carbogen-Amcis Ltd Site Director began FEELING THE BENEFITS Our current apprentice, Eleanor (pictured his career as an apprentice and so really below) joined NSG straight from sixth believes in the programme. We started Apprentices work on projects from the form college. After a couple of years work with two level 3 apprentices. We saw that beginning, learning processes and adding experience, we were looking to develop her they had potential and academic ability, so value to the project. As apprentices progress theoretical knowledge to allow her to progress looked for a higher-level apprenticeship to and learn systems, they are given more and further within the organisation. help them progress. This is when we found more responsibility. For example, one second the Manchester Met Laboratory Scientist year apprentice has already progressed from programme. It looked to be a very well- being a QC Apprentice to a full QC Chemist structured programme and provided the best with the option to move on to a Development support to the apprentices. We have recruited Analyst role. She is now given projects of her apprentices to this programme ever since. own to run. My personal experience of Manchester Met G Elena Daia (not pictured) has been exceptionally good. For example, Team Leader at Carbogen-Amcis, overseeing at the Employer Advisory Board, employers their Laboratory Scientist degree apprentices put across their views of what they would like to see in the programme and by the next meeting everything had been captured in the programme revisions. The programme takes account of what is needed in the industry and makes it applicable to the full range of employers. Eleanor McTeigue Laboratory Scientist degree apprentice, NSG 6 7 CREATING A EMPLOYERS, LINE MANAGERS + Working in partnership to tailor content SUPPORTIVE AND MENTORS and delivery; + Sending regular reports of apprentice APPRENTICESHIPS TEAM progress. ENVIRONMENT SUPPORT PROGRESS REVIEWS For apprentices and employers The Manchester Met Apprenticeships Team is available to support employers throughout Line managers and mentors are supported the apprenticeships process, including: through regular progress reviews to set, monitor and evaluate objectives and targets. + Holding meetings with staff and managers to understand operational challenges and In order to create an environment where apprentices will be training needs; able to achieve successful outcomes, both academically and + A dedicated account manager, providing a single point of contact with the University; within their organisations, the University has put in place a wide range of support. APPRENTICES CUTTING-EDGE FACILITIES The Laboratory Scientist Degree DEDICATED SKILLS COACH Apprenticeship is delivered by the A dedicated Skills Coach will conduct termly Department of Natural Sciences in the reviews with the apprentice and employer, Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is advise on University regulations and a research-rich academic community with procedures, and provide pastoral support. a well-established reputation in biology, chemistry, geography and environmental science. The department works with FUNCTIONAL SKILLS research institutions, industry partners, national organisations and NGOs worldwide Provision of Functional Skills if required. to address the challenges posed by environmental, socio-economic, cultural PERSONAL LEARNING PLAN and political change, as well as health and advanced materials. Where additional