Overview

Laboratory Technicians work in a wide range of organisations including industry, academia and educational establishments. These businesses may be in the chemical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or other scientific sectors. Laboratory Technicians provide a range of critical services, including but not exclusively, analytical and synthetic science services and technical support. They are expected to work within a laboratory team but also individually, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work undertaken. Quality, safety, and ethical standards are paramount, as the sectors in which laboratory technicians work are often highly regulated.

The skills you need to demonstrate

  • Critical thinking

  • Problem solving

  • Adaptable (Independent and team working)

  • Attention to detail

  • Health and Safety

  • Meticulous

  • Team working

  • Time management

Contact details

Entry criteria

  • This is an individual competition.
  • The skill set needed to meet the entry requirements are:
    • Apprenticeship Level 3 or 4.
    • HNC
    • HW QF for England and Wales
    • Educational or vocational qualification at Level 3 (eg: A-level or T-level)
    • Foundation Degree or access to HE course at L3 or L4 (or SQF L7)
    • First year in a BSc in Chemical or Biological Sciences

    Competitors who do not fall in any of the categories above or are unsure about their eligibility may contact the competition organising partner for clarification, prior to registering.

  • Competitors should be familiar with most of the core competences listed but must not have more than two years’ (at time of registration) industry experience post certification. Competitors should be aged 16 or over to take part in this competition. Reasonable adjustments and support can be provided for any additional needs a competitor might have. These need to be declared at registration.
  • There is no limit on competitor registrations per organisation. Spaces at national qualifiers are limited and competitors will be selected and allocated to a qualifier after the entry stage has been submitted and marked. Location preferences made on the registration form will be considered.

 

How it works

Registrations are now open and close midnight 28th March 2024.

The first stage of competition is a remote or online test sent out at point of registration.

Competitors will have 3 weeks to complete the task with a final deadline of 19th April 2024

Live Qualifier TBC

To help finalists prepare ahead of the UK Final, we will provide relevant technical training and share mindset development techniques, to support them to remain focused on achieving success.

National finals will take place between the 18th-22nd November 2024 in Manchester (venues TBC).

Competitors who are age eligible and have achieved the benchmark score will be invited to opt into Squad UK during December 2024 for the WorldSkills 2026 Cycle, subject to the skill progressing to the international competition cycle.

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If you’re interested in being a Laboratory Technician then visit our Careers pages to learn more.

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Photo of young lab technician examining contents of a conical beaker

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