Studied over the course of two years, this qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a limited range of laboratory operations across all industry sectors.

Laboratory technicians perform straightforward laboratory work. They follow set procedures and recipes and apply well developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. They generally work inside a laboratory but may also perform technical tasks in the field or within production plants. They may also perform a range of laboratory maintenance and office tasks.

The majority of their work involves a predictable flow of parallel or similar tasks within one scientific discipline.