Manchester Met welcomes its largest cohort of Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprentices

In a significant milestone, Manchester Metropolitan University proudly welcomed its largest-ever cohort of Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprentices for the start of the new academic year. With 63 apprentices currently on the programme, this highlights the growing popularity of the programme but also its pivotal role in shaping the future careers of bioscience professionals.

This cohort represents a diverse group of the next generation of bioscientists eager to make meaningful contributions to the industry and their organisations. Manchester Met has over 540 employer partners from leading, multinational companies to SMEs and public sector organisations. We’re already working with the likes of AstraZeneca, Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and Qiagen to offer the Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprenticeship, helping to upskill their employees or recruit bright new talent into their organisation.

Launched two years ago, the Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprenticeship has gained widespread recognition for its unique blend of academic and practical experience.

This industry-driven degree apprenticeship allows apprentices to investigate fundamental and applied aspects of microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, disease, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and cell biology. The programme strategically focuses on the practical applications of bioscience techniques in environmental, industrial, clinical, and research settings. Taught by research-active academics, and with support from experienced skills coaches, the programme has been designed to give a wide-ranging experience for apprentices with real-world relevance.

Amie Bentley, Apprenticeship Development Manager, Manchester Met had to say:

‘Our Bioscience pathway of the Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship was developed with a range of employer partners to ensure it helps fill skills gaps in the industry. The programme has a range of SMEs and large employers from all over England which gives the apprentices a range of industry knowledge and networks to build their careers as future scientists. ‘

As the programme enters its third year, and the University sees its largest cohort yet, it highlights the growth of the apprenticeship programme. Partnering with various employers  to offer the Laboratory Scientist (Bioscience) Degree Apprenticeship programme, Manchester Met is paving the way for a skilled workforce ready to make significant contributions to the bioscience sector.