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How a Science Manufacturing Technician makes a difference

All manufacturing processes today are very precisely configured to ensure products are made accurately and as efficiently as possible. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and chemicals, maintaining accuracy ensures the quality, effectiveness, and safety of products, while efficiency ensures the timeliness and cost effectiveness of delivery.

A science manufacturing technician monitors the manufacturing process, collecting data from different stages to establish where efficiencies can be gained, errors have happened, and problems have been overlooked. You could be the technician who helps to control production, to monitor quality and efficiency, and to help make sure final products are safe.

The type of work a Science Manufacturing Technician will do

  • Setting up manufacturing processes and collecting performance data from different stages
  • Following quality procedures set by the law and your workplace
  • Monitoring processing equipment
  • Highlighting abnormal activity or conditions
  • Collaborating with different specialisms in the manufacturing team to understand why problems have occurred
  • Findings ways to solve problems
  • Developing ways to improve all areas of the manufacturing process
Useful skills
Communicating complex ideas
Useful skills
Precise
Useful skills
Technologically minded
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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Science Manufacturing Technician

As your experience grows, you will take on more responsibility for data analysis as well as data capture, and could become a senior manager leading a team of technicians.

Your specialist knowledge in developing efficiencies and continuous improvements in manufacturing, could lead you to working in a consultancy, advising a range of companies on how to achieve high standards in manufacturing.

How to become a Science Manufacturing Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You will work with specialist systems and equipment to capture data in a range of different conditions, including on the production line. Many sectors have laws that control how things are made and you will share responsibility for making sure the right standards are maintained.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Chemical Plan Process Workers
Polymer Technician
Pharmaceutical Technician
Chemical Engineering Technician

How a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician makes a difference

Prosthetics is the clinical term used for making artificial limbs (prostheses). Orthotics is the clinical term used for making a range of devices (orthoses), everything from technical footwear to back braces.

Working in these areas involves developing an understanding of the different conditions people have that can lead to them needing an artificial limb or device.

Specifications are provided to make sure each item fits comfortably and functions properly, enabling people to do what they want to do. You could be the technician who gives children and adults freedom of movement and their independence again.

The type of work a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician will do

  • Interacting with clinical staff, patients and families
  • Understanding requirements and following specifications
  • Taking measurements and producing moulds
  • Planning out designs and making limbs and devices
  • Fitting and fixing limbs and devices
  • Providing advice on technical solutions
  • Using computers to support customised manufacture and fitting
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Logical thinking
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Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician

You could work in a team in the NHS, supporting clinicians and meeting with patients. You could also develop your skills working for a private manufacturing company.

Some companies work with patients directly, developing specialised devices. With experience you could lead a design team, working for the NHS or in a consultancy.

How to become a Prosthetic and Orthotic Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You’ll be making things that will have a huge impact on people’s lives and could even produce limbs or devices that enable Paralympians to compete. You’ll meet with patients to help with the fitting of their device and will often be able to see the difference you make almost immediately. You could be changing the lives of young children born with missing limbs, people who have been in accidents or suffered injuries serving in the military, or those that have clinical conditions that restrict them.

How a Pharmacy Technician makes a difference

Most of us think of pharmacies being on our local high street, but in fact they exist in several different places. For instance inside prisons and care homes, in hospitals and mental health clinics, in the armed forces and in some GP practices. 

In all these environments, pharmacies support a range of health needs, providing professional advice and dispensing medicines and treatments. In some, however, there may be more direct contact with patients: people who could have multiple conditions or potentially addictions to consider. You could be the technician who provides the right medicine at the right time, helping people to feel better and recover fully.

A pharmacy technician organising shelves of medicine boxes.

The type of work a Pharmacy Technician will do

  • Assembling medicines for prescriptions
  • Providing information to patients and other healthcare professionals
  • Managing areas of medicine supply and maintain stocks
  • Supervising other pharmacy staff
  • Answering customers questions face to face or by phone
  • Pre-packing, assembling and labelling medicines
  • Referring problems or queries to the pharmacist
Useful skills
Precise
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Instructing others
Useful skills
Problem solving
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£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Pharmacy Technician

A career in pharmacy can take you in lots of different directions, to the wide range of settings where pharmacies are located. In each location you will gain the primary skills of a pharmacist but also gain specialist knowledge that supports the environment you’re working in.

With experience you will be expected to instruct and train other people and could develop your career as a trainer. There are also opportunities in academia where you can carry out research, apply innovative teaching methods, and contribute to national and international pharmacy policy. You may also choose to open your own pharmacy.

How to become a Pharmacy Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Science.
  • A T-level in Health.
  • An apprenticeship as a Pharmacy Technician.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Pharmacy technicians manage the supply of medicines and devices in a pharmacy and assist pharmacists with advisory services. You will be responsible for carrying out both routine and specialist services, including highly complex activities requiring the use of your professional judgement.

How an Optical Technician makes a difference

Most of us will wear glasses at some point in our life, to help us see things close up, at a distance, or both. Everyone has different needs. High tech calibrated machines and different lens coatings and finishings are used to provide people with the right prescription lenses in the right frame types and styles.

Ensuring glasses are made in exactly the right way for each individual is essential to avoid eye damage and enhance people’s sight as needed. You could be the technician who enables people to see clearly and do things safely, so they can get on and enjoy their life.

The type of work an Optical Technician will do

  • Interpreting specifications
  • Handling tools such as precision screwdrivers and optical pliers
  • Checking the calibration of machines and operating them
  • Using tint baths, cutting and polishing equipment
  • Constructing new glasses, replacing broken lenses and repairing frames
  • Addressing issues with manufacturing equipment
  • Liaising with opticians and retail colleagues
Useful skills
Precise
Useful skills
Technologically minded
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Logical thinking
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£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for an Optical Technician

As new optical technology develops, you will expand your knowledge of lenses and tints that can support people’s sight and eye health.

Your career could progress to managing a specialist team within a manufacturing environment or you could become the manager of an optical lab.

How to become an Optical Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Health.
  • An apprenticeship as a Spectacle Maker.
  • An apprenticeship as an Optical assistant.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You will learn how to use precision measuring instruments and tools, as well as specialist equipment for tinting, coating, and polishing lenses. Your skills will be required by large manufacturers and high street brands, as well as by small glazing shops who supply other glass makers with their services.

How a Testing Engineering Technician makes a difference

Spotting the signs of a fault, whether that’s in materials, components, welding or equipment, helps to reduce operational costs and delays. That’s because it’s better to deal with a fault before a major breakdown occurs, or too many substandard goods have been made.

Testing engineering technicians are responsible for carrying out inspections and making sure different components and materials are fit for service. They use a variety of methods including ultrasonics, radiography and infrared thermography, which detect cracks and other imperfections. You could be the technician who spots a critical fault and not only saves time and money, but also protects lives.

A technician in a clean suit using tools to test a machine.

The kind of work a Testing Engineering Technician does

  • Carrying out detailed inspections using specialist equipment
  • Deciding whether to repair or replace components
  • Solving routine daily problems
  • Overseeing the operation and performance of robots
  • Following the instructions in technical literature
  • Understanding surrounding issues that could contribute to a fault
  • Keeping records of activity
  • Managing project progress and team contributions
Useful skills
Precise
Useful skills
Technologically minded
Useful skills
Logical thinking
Useful skills
Instructing others
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£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Testing Engineering Technician

After gaining several years of experience you could progress to the role of team leader or supervisor. You could be responsible for maintaining high standards of inspections across a range of materials and components.

If you specialise in an industry, you could become the expert that high-profile manufacturers want to hire to advise them during their research and development programmes, as well as during their manufacturing processes.

How to become a Testing Engineering Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Real-life examples of this role include the inspection of batteries, engines, Formula 1 gearboxes, nuclear reactors, and other safety-critical components. You could work in a wide range of industries from aerospace to power generation, marine to railways, oil and gas to construction.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Testing Engineer
Test Technician

How a Metrology Technician makes a difference

Metrology is the science of measurement. It covers the theoretical side and practical applications, including collecting the measurements that enable goods and utilities to be sold. 

£600 billion worth of goods and utilities are sold in the UK every year, based on the measurement of their quantity and quality. You could be the technician who helps people understand the value of what’s being sold.

The type of work a Metrology Technician will do

  • Using measuring instruments and equipment
  • Calibrating machines and tools
  • Assessing quality and value based on measurements
  • Working independently on measurement projects
  • Collaborating with teams on new items to be measured
  • Using software to collect and analyse measurement data
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Instructing others
Useful skills
Logical thinking
Useful skills
Communicating complex ideas
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Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Metrology Technician

You can use your skills to work in many different industries, from environment, energy and aerospace to transport, construction and healthcare. 

With experience, you can move into a team management role, specialise in a particular area of measurement, or work in science and research.

How to become a Metrology Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Science.
  • An apprenticeship as a Metrology Technician.

More options available after that:

  • An apprenticeship as a Senior Metrology Technician.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

Metrology takes place across diverse industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, construction, energy, environment, pharmaceuticals and healthcare and within all sizes of organisation. You could be measuring galaxies, molecules, chemical pollutants, hip joints, aircraft or industrial emissions.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Measurement Scientist

How a Healthcare Science Technician makes a difference

When people fall ill, a doctor will often request blood and other samples. These samples go through a series of tests in a lab, to check the patient’s health, diagnose what’s making them unwell, and determine the treatment they should receive.

Healthcare Science Technicians carry out these tests, helping patients to get the right diagnosis.

Sometimes, people who are ill need personalised treatments put together, to treat conditions like cancer. These need to be created precisely in the lab.

Healthcare Science Technicians develop these treatments, making sure patients get the treatment that’s right for them.

Three technicians wearing lab coats in a healthcare laboratory.

The type of work a Healthcare Science Technician will do

  • Preparing and handling patient samples, like blood or tissue
  • Using lab equipment to carry out tests
  • Recording and checking test results
  • Following strict safety and hygiene rules
  • Supporting healthcare scientists and other staff
  • Managing and storing samples correctly
  • Cleaning and maintaining equipment
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Problem solving
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£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Healthcare Science Technician

With experience, you could become a Healthcare Scientist or specialise in areas like microbiology or genetics. You might move into senior technician roles, become a lab manager, or train others.

There are also opportunities to work in research, hospitals or public health organisations.

How to become a Healthcare Science Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Science.
  • An apprenticeship as a Laboratory Technician.

More options available after that:

  • An apprenticeship as a Healthcare Science Associate.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

This role sits at the heart of healthcare, but isn't patient-facing. You get to use advanced technology and learn how science helps save lives every day. It's a great choice if you enjoy practical science, biology and want a job that feels meaningful.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Healthcare Science Associate
Healthcare Science Assistant
Assistant Scientist
Biomedical Science Technician
Clinical Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Analyst
Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Co-ordinator
Laboratory Research Assistant
Laboratory Support Worker
Laboratory Technician
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Microbiology Support Scientist
Pathology Technician
Quality Control Laboratory Assistant
Science Technician
Technical Laboratory Assistant
Technical Specialist (Scientist)
Technical Support Scientist

How a Healthcare Engineering Technician makes a difference

Hospitals, GP practices, dentists, and ambulances all use a wide range of medical devices to help them care for patients. These devices need to be checked and maintained regularly to make sure they work properly and patient safety isn’t put at risk.

As well as medical devices, there are heating, ventilation and electricity systems serving medical buildings that need to be maintained. You could be the technician who services and repairs the equipment and environments that healthcare practitioners and patients rely on for effective medical care.

The type of work a Healthcare Engineering Technician will do

  • Testing and maintaining devices and equipment
  • Carrying out repairs
  • Installing new equipment
  • Safety tests and checks
  • Briefing medical staff on devices and equipment
  • Completing documentation and reports
  • Communicating progress on repairs and new installations
Useful skills
Communicating complex ideas
Useful skills
Precise
Useful skills
Instructing others
Useful skills
Attention to detail
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Healthcare Engineering Technician

There are different kinds of healthcare engineering, for example electrical, mechanical, biomedical or building services. You could choose to specialise in one area.

With experience, you could lead a team or take responsibility for a large number of buildings, where all equipment is in your care. You could even progress to designing medical devices or equipment yourself.

How to become a Healthcare Engineering Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You could work across a range of healthcare devices or within a big healthcare environment, like a hospital. You’ll have frequent contact with patients, sometimes working when they are present, and will make sure medical teams can complete their work effectively by making sure medical equipment is in good working order when it’s needed.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Biomedical Technician
Clinical Engineer
Dental Engineering Technician
Instrument Curator
Medical Electronics Technician
Medical Engineering Technician
Building Services Technician

How a Food Science Technician makes a difference

Every day, millions of fresh, creative and tasty food products are made, packed, and sold for the enjoyment of consumers in the UK and around the world. Every product needs to meet the safety standards of the country it’s made in and the countries where it’s sold.

People can have allergies to some ingredients, so measures are taken to stop the wrong ingredients being mixed in by mistake and to make sure packaging is labelled properly. A lot of time is also spent improving and creating new products. You could be the technician who helps to ensure food and drink products are great-tasting, labelled correctly and safe to eat and drink.

The type of work a Food Science Technician will do

  • Collecting, interpreting, and analysing data
  • Specifying ingredients and organising their storage, handling and quality checks
  • Meeting with suppliers of raw materials and assessing taste and quality
  • Costing and comparing the costs of different products
  • Contributing to new product ideas
  • Overseeing and auditing processes to make sure safety standards are met
  • Liaising with manufacturing and production teams
  • Helping to improve systems and processes
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Communicating complex ideas
Useful skills
Precise
Useful skills
Instructing others
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per year *
£ 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 , 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Average salary per month *

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Food Science Technician

You could be employed by a grower, a large or small food manufacturer, or by a retailer, such as a major UK supermarket.

Once you have experience, possible roles include technical manager, quality assurance, process development, new product development or auditor.

There may be the opportunity to travel as part of your role, either to discover new foods and ingredients internationally or to promote products to other countries.

How to become a Food Science Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Science.
  • An apprenticeship as a Food Industry Technologist.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You will develop an understanding of the complete food journey, from field to fork, and can help drive a manufacturing process that protects the nutritious ingredients in food for the benefit of people’s health. The ingredients you choose and where you source them from can also have a positive impact on the environment and communities. More local sourcing can reduce transportation time and carbon emissions, while sourcing internationally can provide vital work opportunities to people in developing countries.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Food Technologist

How a Mortuary Technician makes a difference

Understanding that death is a part of life is a difficult but important lesson that everyone needs to learn. When you realise this you also understand that looking after the bodies of people who’ve died is skilled and essential work which requires compassion and respect.

It involves preparing, dressing and placing deceased people into coffins, and making sure they are presented with dignity and in line with their religious and cultural beliefs. You could be the technician who completes these preparations and reassures family members their loved one is being cared for.

The kind of work a Mortuary Technician will do

  • Monitoring the safety and hygiene of equipment
  • Managing the receipt and release of people
  • Checking people’s identities
  • Initial assessment and monitoring of deceased people
  • Initial care and cleaning of deceased people
  • Maintaining registers and documents for the deceased
  • Communication with people connected to the deceased
Useful skills
Attention to detail
Useful skills
Precise

Data powered by LMI for all
*according to ONS

Future career opportunities for a Mortuary Technician

This is a specialised role that can offer you a long-term career. Over time you may move into training other people or running a team.

You could also develop your skills to be more closely involved in the analysis of deceased people, as well as their preparation.

How to become a Mortuary Technician

There’s no perfect career path or ideal way into your dream job.

But if you’re interested in education and training options that could be relevant to this role, you might want to consider:

Options available after GCSEs:

  • A T-level in Health.
  • An apprenticeship as a Mortuary Technician.

More options available after that:

  • An apprenticeship as a Embalmer.

Schools and colleges each have their own career guidance plan and can provide detailed information, advice, and guidance on options and next steps.

A little more about the role

Exciting features...

You’ll be involved with all kinds of people, including relatives, funeral directors, embalmers, crematoria, cemeteries, funeral arrangers, doctors, police, coroners and hospital and home care staff. Your professionalism, integrity and sensitivity will be required at all times.

Other job titles...

This role can also be known by some other job titles including:

Anatomical Pathology Technologist
Embalming Assistant
Mortuary Assistant