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Laboratory technicians support scientists and help carry out tests, research and investigations.
You could work: weekends; on shifts
There will be
0.5% more Laboratory technician jobs in 2027.
In your local area
You will work safely, following strict guidelines. You could do routine or one off tests and will:
You may need to wear protective clothing.
You could work in a laboratory.
You can get into this job through:
Some employers may expect you to have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a scientific subject like:
You'll usually need:
You could take a college course to help improve your chances of finding work.
Courses include:
You'll usually need:
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
You'll usually need:
Experience in a lab can help when looking for work. You can look for opportunities at:a research lab in a university; clinical laboratories in hospitals; a production or research lab in an industrial setting; school and college science departments
You can join a professional body relevant to your area of work for career development and training opportunities.
You can find out more about becoming a laboratory technician from:the Science Council; Health Careers
With experience, you could progress to team manager or lab supervisor, or specialise in complex analysis work.
With a degree and experience you could move into a research technician role.
You can join a professional body relevant to your area of work for career development and training opportunities.
You can find out more about becoming a laboratory technician from the Science Council and Health Careers.