LABORATORYSCIENTIST

DEGREEAPPRENTICESHIP

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CONTENTS

Award-winning Degree Apprenticeships

About the programme

Learning outcomes and behaviours

Employer case studies

Support from Manchester Metropolitan

Programme delivery and structure

Employer case studies

Evaluation of occupational competency

Application information

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5-6

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9-10

11-12

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AWARD-WINNINGDEGREEAPPRENTICESHIPS

Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the most popular universities in the UK, currently educating over 34,000 students. The University takes its responsibility for creating work-ready graduates very seriously and maintains close industry and business links.

Our Degree Apprenticeships are practice-focussed. They equip our apprentices with the skills to ensure they are ready to take on the industrial challenges of tomorrow and make their mark. We develop our programmes in partnership with employers, to meet the needs of industry and individuals.

As pioneers of Degree Apprenticeships, we have become industry leaders, allowing us to build unrivalled partnerships with some of the UK’s largest employers and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

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EMPLOYER SATISFACTION

RATING (ESFA, 2019)

90%

Royal Society of Chemistry

2017 2018 2019 CHEMISTRY APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

1,500DEGREEAPPRENTICES

On 13 Apprenticeship Programmes

TOP UNIVERSITY IN THE UK

FOR DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

Rate My Apprenticeship Awards 2019

300EMPLOYERS

+

RATED

OUTSTANDINGBY OFSTED 2018

94%1ST OR 2.1

DEGREES 2019/20

APPRENTICES RECOGNISED AT REGIONAL AND

NATIONAL AWARDS

25+

CO-DEVELOPED WITH INDUSTRYThis programme combines and embeds business improvement, scientific knowledge and technical skills that are highly valued within the workplace. They have been developed in close conjunction with industry, and apprentices will graduate with a BSc (Hons) Chemical Science Degree. Upon completion of the course they will be able to register for Registered Scientist (RSci) status – one of several recognised professional status levels from the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Participants will develop as confident and capable science professionals in their organisation by integrating academic learning and practical on-the-job training.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS + Grow your own graduates: both existing staff and new employees will develop skills and knowledge that are directly relevant to solving technical and strategic business issues.

+ Attract enthusiastic and talented students/employees in this area of skills shortages.

+ Flexible assessments tailored around the job role of the apprentice.

+ Utilise targeted government funding and incentives to retain and prepare staff for a significant future within your organisation.

+ Develop a strong long-term relationship with Manchester Metropolitan University.

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT + Employers will extend the learning beyond the classroom by giving apprentices a work programme, which allows them the opportunity to turn theory into practice.

+ As employees, apprentices are subject to normal terms of employment. It is expected that apprentices will be offered a competitive salary.

+ A flexible work schedule will need to be designed, which allows time to study and attend the University for appropriate residential activities.

+ All apprentices will require a workplace mentor who will oversee their work and development.

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR?This programme is suitable for those looking to build a science career and who are employed in the chemical, pharmaceutical, materials, food and drink, utility, healthcare, aerospace and automotive industries.

The Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship has a strong professional and practical focus, designed to help apprentices move into roles such as:

+ Scientific team leader

+ Technologist

+ Laboratory analyst

+ Laboratory manager

+ Senior scientist

+ Process operations manager

LABORATORYSCIENTIST DEGREEAPPRENTICESHIPThe Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is an established industry-driven and government-supported programme developed to address a skills shortage. The programme produces graduate employees through an innovative work-based approach.

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LEARNING OUTCOMES AND BEHAVIOURSOn successful completion of the Apprenticeship, students will have demonstrated the full range of knowledge, skills and behaviours defined by the standard. These include:

+ Knowledge of scientific principles and theories.

+ Knowledge of chemical laboratory techniques and skills in carrying out scientific experimentation.

+ Knowledge of principles of project management.

+ Demonstrated ability to comply with and promote safe working and quality systems within the workplace

+ Lead continuous performance improvement within the scientific environment.

+ Knowledge of data analysis tools and statistical techniques for effective evaluation of results

+ Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage time effectively.

+ Communicate effectively to a scientific and non-scientific audience.

+ Demonstrate reliability, integrity and respect for confidentiality.

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FROM OUREMPLOYERS’POINTS OF VIEWStuart Jamieson is the Team Leader for Chemical Analysis and Spectroscopy in NSG Group’s Research and Development department. He oversees their Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentices.

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Apprentices add massive value and make an amazing contribution. They come through the system which means they get to know the company procedures inside-out. When they start their own projects they are highly efficient and benefit the company greatly.

CHOOSING MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITYThe Carbogen-Amcis Ltd Site Director began his career as an apprentice and so really believes in the programme. We started with two level 3 apprentices. We saw that they had potential and academic ability, so looked for a higher level apprenticeship to help them progress. This is when we found the Manchester Metropolitan Laboratory Scientist course. It looked to be a very well-structured course and provided the best support to the apprentices. We have recruited apprentices to this programme ever since.

My personal experience of Manchester Metropolitan has been exceptionally good. For example, at the Employer Advisory Board, employers 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 course revisions. The programme takes account of what is needed in the industry and makes it applicable to the full range of employers.

FEELING THE BENEFITSApprentices work on projects from the beginning, learning processes and adding value to the project. As apprentices progress and learn systems, they are given more and more responsibility. For example, one second year apprentice has already progressed from being a QC Apprentice to a full QC Chemist with the option to move on to a to Development Analyst role. She is now given projects of her own to run.

G. Elena DaiaCarbogen Amcis

Carbogen-Amcis has supported the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries with drug development for over 30 years. G. Elena Daia is a Team Leader, overseeing their Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprentices.

Eleanor McTeigueDegree ApprenticeNSG Group

DEVELOPING NSG STAFFThere has been a long history of employee development within R&D at NSG, including apprentice development through BTEC, HNC and part-time degree courses.

The introduction of Degree Apprenticeships was considered a win-win for the business and employees.

Degree Apprenticeship courses are funded by the apprenticeship levy at no cost to the individual. The business makes use of their levy contributions while benefitting from a better trained and more well informed workforce.

LINKING WORK AND STUDYThe study the apprentices have undertaken at the University has, thus far, reinforced work practice here at NSG. They have been provided with a much deeper understanding of work place regulation and its importance with regard to health, safety, quality and environmental issues.

AN ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIPOur current apprentice, Eleanor (pictured below)joined NSG straight from sixth form college. After a couple of years work experience, we were looking to develop her theoretical knowledge to allow her to progress further within the organisation.

NSG R&D has a long history of working with Manchester Metropolitan for part-time degree course provision. The University is one of the major providers of Degree Apprenticeships and given our satisfaction with previous courses it seemed only natural to continue our working relationship.

A RECOMMENDATIONManchester Metropolitan provides a professional and supportive environment for both the apprentice and the employer. The Apprenticeship is well managed, with good online support.

Regular feedback sessions with the apprentice, line manager and Manchester Met Skills Coach ensures targets for development areas are clearly communicated and recorded.

Stuart JamiesonNSG Group Research and Development

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SUPPORT FROMMANCHESTERMETROPOLITANIn order to create an environment where apprentices will be able to achieve successful outcomes, both academically and within their organisations, the University has put in place a wide range of support.

APPRENTICES

Dedicated Skills Coach

A dedicated Apprenticeships Skills Coach can assist with study skills, help apprentices access workplace opportunities and develop skills needed to complete their apprenticeships, and provide pastoral support.

Functional Skills

Provision of functional skills if required.

Personal Learning Plan

Additional learning support requirements identified and met through a Personal Learning Plan.

University Services

Full access to University services – including disability services, wellbeing, the library, IT services and University sports facilities.

Cutting-Edge Facilities

The Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is delivered by the Department of Natural Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. It is a research-rich academic community with a well-established reputation in biology, chemistry, geography and environmental science. The department works with research institutions, industry partners, national organisations and NGOs worldwide to address the challenges posed by environmental, socio-economic, cultural and political change, as well as health and advanced materials.

Online Study Environment

Study materials can be accessed 24/7 via our online study environment, Moodle. Our programme is designed to support learners who live and work outside of the north-west. Moodle enables apprentices to access reading lists, download journal articles, contribute to online discussion groups, email tutors, listen to podcasts and submit assignments.

University Library

The main University Library is located on the All Saints Campus and is open 24/7 during the academic year.

The Library provides access to a wide range of books, texts, journals, and business information and statistics. It also runs a number of workshops for mature students on study and research skills.

Many of the Library’s resources are available online. For example, apprentices can search the library catalogue, renew and reserve books, and download journal articles and research information.

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EMPLOYERS, LINE MANAGERS AND MENTORS

Apprenticeships Team Support

The Manchester Metropolitan Apprenticeships Team is available to support employers throughout the apprenticeships process, including:

+ Holding meetings with staff and managers to understand operational challenges and training needs;

+ A dedicated account manager, providing a single point of contact with the University;

+ Working in partnership to tailor content and delivery;

+ Sending regular reports of apprentice progress.

Progress Reviews

Line managers and mentors are supported through regular progress reviews to set, monitor and evaluate objectives and targets.

PROGRAMMEDELIVERY ANDSTRUCTURE

Laboratory scientists are expected to be able to apply broad scientific knowledge to carry out a scientific job role. They will be able to work with novel techniques and build the capabilities to problem solve, innovate and develop experimental plans.

Apprentices work full-time whilst studying towards a BSc (Hons) Chemical Science qualification over four years.

Students study a tutor-supported e-distance learning curriculum and attend residential schools. The work-based projects, negotiated with employers, offer students the opportunity to apply their learning directly to their organisation and its business context.

Typical unit content may include*:

YEAR 1Fundamental Physical Chemistry

+ Introduction to thermodynamics and kinetics and statistical analysis of results

Fundamental Inorganic Chemistry

+ Structure of atoms and molecules

+ Bonding and periodicity

Fundamental Organic Chemistry

+ Molecular structure

+ Organic intermediates

+ Reaction mechanisms

Introduction to Chemical Analysis

+ Use of reference materials and calibration

+ Atomic and molecular spectroscopy

Introduction to Workplace Regulation

+ Health and safety regulation

+ Regulatory environment for chemical industry

+ Good practice quality guidelines/regulations

+ Risk management and safety

Laboratory Scientist Skills 1

+ Business environment

+ Laboratory techniques

+ Project management

YEAR 2Intermediate Physical Chemistry

+ Surface chemistry

+ Rates of reaction

+ Thermodynamics

+ Entropy

Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry

+ Transition metals

+ Solid state chemistry

+ Molecular symmetry

+ Crystallography

Intermediate Organic Chemistry

+ Carbonyl chemistry

+ Conjugate additions

+ Imines and enamines

Applied Chemistry for Industry

Apprentices will choose one from:

+ Materials (polymers, nanoparticles and colloids, structural materials)

+ Drug Discovery (key molecules of life, drug targets and drug development)

Communication and Research Skills

+ Scientific writing

+ Library and search engines

+ Literature reviews

Laboratory Scientist Skills 2

+ Record keeping

+ Promoting safety and quality

+ Laboratory techniques

The role of an apprentice laboratory scientist involves developing a higher level of understanding and achieving an independent approach to work.

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YEAR 3Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

+ Bioinorganic and organometallic chemistry

+ Catalysis

+ Inorganic mechanisms

Advanced Organic Chemistry

+ Regio and sterioselectivity

+ Retrosynthesis and green synthesis

Spectroscopy and Instrumental Analysis

+ Separation science

+ Spectroscopic principles

+ Structural elucidation (NMR, IR, MS)

Specialism Units

Apprentices will choose one from:

+ Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Pharmacodynamics, drug synthesis and optimisation)

+ Green Chemistry (Solventless reactions, enzymatic transformations, chemistry in society

+ Polymers

Business Improvement

+ Continuous improvement tools

+ Process mapping

+ Problem solving

Workplace Project

+ Continuous improvement project applying BI tools

YEAR 4Advanced Physical Chemistry

+ Advanced kinetics

+ Quantum chemistry

+ Surface science

+ Catalysis on surfaces

Advanced Instrumental Analysis

+ Organic MS

+ Advanced elemental analysis

+ Surface analysis

Further Topics in Chemistry

Apprentices will choose two from:

+ Advanced Pharmaceutical Chemistry

+ Advanced Green Chemistry

+ Drug Target Interactions (introduction to cell biology, computational chemistry and assays)

+ Chemistry in Society (unintended consequences; materials failure, pollution)

Project and Personal Development

Applies wide range of skills, including:

+ Literature review

+ Data analysis

+ Problem solving

+ Experimental design

+ Project management

*Please note that programme content is subject to change.

I would thoroughly recommend degree apprenticeships to other areas of industry and the public sector. Apprentices are driven, ambitious individuals who knew from the start that they wanted to embark on a different path to the traditional university route to a degree. This forward thinking sets them up for coping with balancing finding creative solutions to new scientific problems in the workplace, with beginning a BSc degree for the first time – no mean feat by any measure!

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GROWINGYOUR OWNTALENT

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Matt Ball (pictured left)AstraZenca

Will Ashworth Degree ApprenticeAstraZeneca

CHOOSING DEGREE APPRENTICESHIPS

AstraZeneca Macclesfield started taking on Chemical Science Apprentices in 2014 when only Advanced Apprenticeships were available. As we moved to Higher Apprenticeships with Manchester Metropolitan University we always aspired to offer Degree Apprenticeships in Chemical Sciences. Manchester Metropolitan were receptive to our requirement for a 4-year programme and we are delighted to be able to move to this option for our recent cohort.

This fits well with our Early Talent strategy in this area, where a Chemical Sciences Degree is vital both for chemistry understanding and to enhance the Apprentices’ career prospects within a Research and Development environment.

SEEING THE BENEFITS

Across the company we have benefitted hugely in being able to bring through individuals with a unique skillset.

In our own department, apprentices in the Applied Technologies area are solving problems that we hadn’t been able to address previously due to the exiting pressures of drug project delivery. In one instance, the tricky problem of developing an accurate solubility workflow was solved by apprentice Holly Carter, who started with a manual process which evolved into an automated robotic platform. This led to significant impact across not just one, but all of our current drug projects.

Across the wider business, this type of ground-breaking work has led to three of our apprentices – Roxanne Wright, Holly Carter and Will Ashworth (pictured on page 12) – to be awarded Royal Society of Chemistry Chemical Sciences Apprentice of the Year on three consecutive occasions.

WORKING WITH MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN

Manchester Metropolitan were one of the first universities to develop a course which addressed the needs of the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. We were drawn to their expertise in the apprenticeship field, and their understanding of the differences this brings in terms of support to the students and tailored delivery of the course.

Since starting to work with Manchester Metropolitan some six years ago, we have found their engagement to be incredibly strong – involving the whole range of employers in developing the structure and content of the course – not so easy when there are such diverse industrial partners involved! We have now reached a point where the desired four-year BSc course can develop with our needs as a business, while knowing that the students are supported through what can be a very tough balance between simultaneous full-time work and study.

Matt Ball, Chemical Development Team Manager at AstraZeneca has been working with Manchester Metropolitan on their apprenticeship programme for over six years.

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LABORATORYSCIENTIST APPLICATIONINFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSDirect entry from school or college will normally require three A levels (with one being Chemistry) or equivalent, equating to a minimum of 104 UCAS tariff points.

We will individually evaluate candidates who do not meet these requirements but have workplace experience or have qualifications such as BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a scientific discipline.

Level 2 English and Maths requirements

All applicants must be able to evidence GCSEEnglish Language and maths passes at gradesA*-C, or commit to completing Functional Skills Level 2 in addition to the programme. This is provided at no additional cost.

HOW TO APPLYOnce an employer has confirmed that they will support their apprentice(s) on the programme, we will issue an application pack to interested applicants which includes the necessary forms and guidance.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONSPlease note that in order to meet the eligibility criteria for apprenticeship funding, candidates must:

+ Have a contract of employment that covers the full duration of the apprenticeship

+ Be working a minimum of 30 hours per week for their main employer

+ Be a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), or have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years.

+ Have the agreement of their employer to abide by the requirements of allowing apprentices 20% of their normal working hours to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standard.

+ Spend at least 50% of their time working in England.

WORK PLACE CONSIDERATIONSEmployers need to reflect on whether the workplace infrastructure is sufficient to fully support the apprentice in working as a trainee laboratory scientist. Apprentices need to be employed in a practical, laboratory-based role in order to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices will need to be supported in theworkplace by a suitably qualified mentor who is able to assess competency in practice and support the apprentice to develop as a competent laboratory scientist.

OFF-THE-JOB TRAININGApprenticeship funding rules include a requirement that apprentices should spend at least 20% of their usual working time on developing relevant skills, knowledge and behaviours. In practice, this rule means that apprentices must undertake University tuition, online learning and assessments in combination with a range of other eligible activities undertaken in the workplace.

These can include, but are not limited to:

+ Developing evidence, undertaking reflective practice and gathering peer feedback towards their apprenticeship.

+ Shadowing or mentoring of colleagues in their organisation or another organisation.

+ Formal or informal training relevant to the apprenticeship.

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EVALUATION OFOCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY

The Manchester Metropolitan Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship is built around the requirements of the Laboratory Scientist Standard. By completing the course, the apprentice will meet all requirements of the apprenticeship standard and be well prepared for end-point assessment (EPA), which is carried out by an independent third party.

The programme contains units specifically focused on meeting the apprenticeship standard: for example, the Laboratory Scientist Skills units and Business Improvement unit. These units will instil apprentices with the knowledge and opportunity for them to demonstrate the required skills through work-place tasks.

The inclusion of two workplace projects provides apprentices with key opportunities to apply their learning to address genuine workplace challenges. Through these projects, apprentices will evidence a wide range of skills and behaviours fundamental to the Laboratory Scientist role. The final year project mirrors requirements of the Workplace Synoptic Project and give apprentices the evidence needed for EPA.

We regard Apprenticeships as a true partnership between ourselves and the employer. Apprentices will have an assigned Manchester Metropolitan reviewer who will work with them throughout the course to ensure they meet all the requirements of the Apprenticeship and prepare them for EPA.

An eportfolio system is used to capture this evidence and apprentices will populate this as they progress through the course.

Apprentice workplace mentors perform a key role. This is both by providing mentor testimonies to evidence the apprentice’s competence and also by ensuring that the apprentice role, in conjunction with the course, provides opportunity to develop and apply the full range of occupational competences defined by the standard.

Get in touchIf you think the programme could work for your organisation, please get in touch. We will be happy to provide further information or guide you through the next steps. Just contact us using the details below.

Apprenticeship Unitapprenticeships@mmu.ac.uk0161 247 3720mmu.ac.uk/apprenticeships

@mmuapprenticeMMUApprenticeshipsmanmetuniDegree Apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan UniversityManchester Met Business School