Before applying to this apprenticeship, please check that you meet all entry requirements. 

For entry into year 1 of Level 7 Programme applicants must have the following:

• Pass (Grade O6 or better) in five leaving certificate subjects one of which must be maths and one science related subject.

• 250 CAO points.

or

• Successful Level 6 Laboratory Technician Apprentices.

• Candidates with a Level 6 in a related discipline.

• Current employee with relevant experience and qualifications.

Mature students are also welcome to apply for this apprenticeship. 

Before enrolment on the apprenticeship programme the apprentice must have:

• An Industry Interview.

• SOLAS apprentice approval.

In advance of completing an application for the Laboratory Analyst Apprenticeship it is important to understand the commitment you will need to provide to this programme.

You will follow a learning structure of 3 days on the job and 2 days off the job.

The training is run by the following Colleges:

• TU Dublin - Tallaght

• SETU South East Technological University- Waterford campus (Waterford IT)

• MTU Munster Technological University Bishopstown (Cork IT)
  
  
• TUS Technological University of the Shannon - Athlone    

 

The Laboratory Analyst will be trained to possess the following skills:

• Ability to operate company equipment and instruments effectively and according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). 

• Ability to work in a safe manner within a laboratory and work setting. 

• Ability to perform basic chemistry techniques including, but not limited to, the use of: Pipettes, Auto-Titrations, pH, Weighing, Diluting to volume, Volumetric calculations, Karl Fischer, Thin Layer Chromatography and Physical testing.

• Ability to identify and note equipment (for sampling, testing and control) mal-operation if it occurs, and informing the Senior Analyst. 

• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems 

• Demonstrate technical competence in the use of specified instrumentation and laboratory equipment, including calibration where required. 

• Apply current good laboratory practices and maintain the integrity of all data that is generated. 

• A thorough understanding of Quality Systems such as: Deviations, Change Controls etc. 

Soft Skills:

• Communicate effectively using a full range of skills: speaking; listening; writing; body language; presentation

• Ability to participate in company audits,

• Technical writing – The ability to produce a GLP/GMP document or input effectively to, for example, a Deviation report. 

• Work and interact effectively within a team 

• Work independently and take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks

• Understand impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality 

• Time management and ability to complete work to schedule 

• Ability to handle change and respond to change management processes.

Core competencies and behaviours listed: 

• Health, Safety and Environmental awareness 

• Ability to share knowledge and expertise with others

• Engage in teamwork

• Complete integrity & compliance programs

• Ability to work independently

• Reading comprehension

• Problem solving

• Critical thinking

• Time management

• Microsoft Office (Word/Excel)

• Mathematics and statistics

• Continuous professional development

A Laboratory Analyst will be expected to: 

• Understand the fundamentals of Science

• Understand the principles of cGMP and GDP

• Understand the quality systems that are in place and their importance.

• Ability to work safely in the laboratory, maintaining excellent housekeeping whilst following appropriate safety, environment and risk management systems;

• Understanding of the basic chemistry and microbiological techniques

• Knowledge of pharmacopeias

• Understand safe laboratory and work practices and methods

• Knowledge of methods of receiving and logging samples into a QC laboratory.

• Knowledge of the variety of methods involved in water testing, raw material, in-process, finished product.

• Understand the importance of data integrity, recording results in a timely and accurate fashion.

• Understand the correct labelling of laboratory reagents and samples.

• Knowledge of “out of specification” investigations and “Lab Investigations Reports” processes.

• Knowledge of the purchase systems of QC consumables and liaising with approved suppliers.

• Understanding the various steps in the production process – upstream and downstream

• Knowledge of calibrating laboratory equipment as required. Knowledge of reporting processes and current deficiencies in GLP/GMP.

With the support of leading professionals and companies the apprentice will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours necessary for a successful career in a laboratory environment, while earning a salary, they will also have the opportunity to study in a leading Technological University to gain a nationally recognised qualification.

Completing the Level 7 programme will allow graduates to continue to Level 8 programmes.

Depending on your skills, knowledge and experience some of the opportunities below might be appropriate to help develop your Career pathway:  

• Springboard & conversion courses  

• Skillnet Sector learning network courses

• Further education training centres

• Post Graduate options

• Higher Education Research & Innovation

To become an apprentice in Ireland you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices. Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship, you can search apprenticeship vacancies and a list of currently approved apprentice employers on the Apprenticeship Jobs & Employers Portal. You can search for vacancies by location, and employers in each apprenticeship.

Use this link to explore a list of Approved Employers by Region and by Apprenticeship type.

This apprenticeship is managed by Ibec. If you are interested in a Laboratory Analyst Apprenticeship you should make contact with Ibec via the contact details below.

Full eligibility criteria for this apprenticeship are available in the Apprentice Lab Technician & Analyst Brochure.

Further information is also available from the industry lead for this apprenticeship:

Audrey Devlin

Apprenticeship Project Manager
BioPharmaChem Ireland
Ibec 84-86 Lower Baggot Street
Dublin 2

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @Lab_Apprentice
Web: laboratoryapprenticeships.ie

You can express your interest in the Laboratory Analyst Apprenticeship on the Laboratory Apprenticeship website.     

Finding an Employer

Finding an employer or registering your interest with an official Coordinating Provider is one of the first things you need to do to start an apprenticeship.

To find an apprenticeship and secure an apprenticeship work contract you can search apprenticeship vacancies on the Apprenticeship Jobs Portal . You can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.

Your local Education and Training Board may also hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.

You should also directly connect with local employers who might be interested in taking on an apprentice. It is a great idea to get a part time job with a local employer who might be more inclined to take you on as an apprentice following a successful work experience placement or a part time job contract.

Further information about this apprenticeship may be available from the following organisations on this website:

Online Job Sites

Here are some direct links to employment websites that frequently list apprenticeship vacancies.

Note: These websites may include vacancies that are not QQI accredited Apprenticeships.

As an apprentice, you earn while you learn. The employer pays you a salary while you are being trained on-the-job and off-the-job. The rate of pay is agreed between you and your employer

Apprentices complete their off-the-job training in a higher education institution, for which they are required to pay a student contribution.

The amount payable is a proportion of the annual student contribution for students attending a full-time course in higher education. The student contribution is paid directly to the higher education institution over the 3 years

Student Contribution

Year 1	€1,500
Year 2	€1,500
Year 3	€1,500
Total Fee	€4,500