T level: Health and Science Technical Laboratory Specialism

Carefully developed by industry leaders, this two-year health and science T level arms you with all the specific skills and competencies you need to be an assistant in technical laboratory services or any health and science workplace. You could even choose to take a higher level apprenticeship or a degree � you�ll have all you need to ace either. For 80% of the T level, you�re in the classroom, learning core scientific concepts and key regulations relevant to the whole health and science sector. And in the remaining 20% of the course, you'll complete a 45-day placement where you get to grips with your employer-set project. This way, you get a hands-on, real-life understanding of your future role in technical laboratory services.

Year one: your introduction to the world of essential health and science and the contexts, theories and principles that underpin the entire industry. Your folders fill up quickly with core scientific concepts and key regulations. Your notes detail good scientific/clinical practice, how to manage information and the all-important health and safety protocols. You and your classmates need subject dividers for 1. ethics 2. scientific methodology 3. data handling and processing 4. experimental equipment and techniques Along with these you learn a broad of traditional science (biology, chemistry and physics), and you'll also explore your options, the roles and pathways, employers and businesses you could work for in the science sector. Enter year two and the elements of technical laboratory services really kick in. You, your classmates and your tutors perform a range of scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements. As you learn more about planning, reviewing, implementing and suggesting improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting, your confidence grows. You feel excited about identifying and resolving issues with scientific equipment or data errors. The idea of being a real-life lab technician becomes truly manageable. A vital part of year two is your 45-day industry placement, where you settle into your roles and responsibilities and build your lab-tech toolkit. You�re able to put your knowledge and skills into practice in a real-life setting, be part of the team and work on your employer-set project and working towards the following outcomes: 1. Performing a range of appropriate scientific techniques to collect experimental data in a laboratory setting, complying with regulations and requirements. 2. Planning, reviewing, implementing, and suggesting improvements to scientific tasks relevant to a laboratory setting. 3. Identifying and resolving issues with scientific equipment or data errors.

There are several formal assessments during the two years: external exams, controlled assessments, practical summary assignments and an employer-led set project.? Together, the assessments generate an overall grade of pass, merit, distinction or distinction*. At the end of your T level, you receive a nationally recognised certificate with a clear breakdown of your achievements. The T level can be worth up to 168 UCAS points.

T levels are for people who are 16-18 on 31 August on the date that they start the course. You need the following to be accepted on the Health and Science T level: 5 GCSEs including maths and English and double science at grade 5 or higher one reference (this is usually from your school). 90% attendance at school (or your last place or work/ study) � this is desirable.

A T level in health and science means you�re absolutely qualified to have a fulfilling career in technical laboratory services. You could also decide to take your learning further and do a higher level apprenticeship or a degree. A chat with our independent careers advisors will help you figure out your next step. They have all the information, advice and guidance you need to kickstart your career.