Technical and vocational pathways
These routes into the chemical sciences form a crucial part of the diverse talent pipeline in our community.
Technical and vocational routes into the chemical sciences form a crucial part of the diverse talent pipeline across the UK. These pathways — including apprenticeships, T Levels, vocational qualifications, and work‑based learning programmes — allow people to enter the chemical sciences at a range of levels, from intermediate skills through to advanced and degree‑level roles.
A diverse workforce strengthens the chemical sciences and supports innovation across academia, industry, education, and the wider economy. We are committed to helping learners, training providers, and employers make the most of these pathways so that the sector continues to benefit from highly skilled technical professionals.
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What’s changing in technical and vocational education?
In England, the Department for Education is reforming Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications to create clearer pathways for learners aged 16–19. Proposals include the introduction of new V Levels at Level 3 as a vocational alternative alongside A Levels and T Levels, and new Level 2 pathways designed to support progression either directly into skilled employment or towards Level 3 study.
Find out more about the proposals in this consultation documentPlease note that the consultation has now closed.
These reforms aim to ensure that vocational and technical qualifications align with Skills England occupational standards, making them relevant to employers and supporting clear progression routes into apprenticeships, technical roles, and higher study. The RSC is working to ensure that the interests of all stakeholders in the Chemical Science community are factored onto these reforms and developments, through consultation responses and Trailblazer engagement.
Read our position statement on apprenticeships
What are the future skills needs of the chemical sciences sector?
Find out more about our future workforce and educational pathways project
Want to know what all of this means for you? Find out about the specific support we offer in the sections below:
For employers
Apprenticeships give employers a great opportunity to recruit and develop talent in a way that suits their business and priorities – whether that’s succession planning, attracting and retaining staff, diversifying a workforce or even upskilling existing staff. Apprentices can be a brilliant addition to any company, big or small.
An apprentice will spend most of their time working while being trained and supported by a mentor, but will also attend a college, university or other training provider to receive off-the-job training. Typically, this includes the underpinning theory needed for their job role, practical experience supported by theory, and other professional or transferable skills, such as report writing, literature searching or experimental design.
Training providers support you along every step of your apprenticeship journey; helping to recruit the right apprentice for your business, tailor off-the-job training, guide you through the funding landscape and provide advice on how to mentor an apprentice.
Often while they are receiving their off-the-job training, an apprentice will be working towards their qualification. The level of qualification varies, depending on the type of apprenticeship and the occupation it leads into, but they can range from school-leaver through to degree-level, covering occupations such as laboratory technician, scientist and research scientist.
Funding for the off-the-job training an apprentice receives is usually covered, at least in part, by government. However, as an apprentice is first and foremostly an employee, the company they work for is responsible for paying their salary and must pay at least the minimum or living wage, dependent on the age of the apprentice.
To find out more about the benefits of hiring an apprentice, watch the webinar below which was recorded as part of our activities for National Apprenticeship Week 2023.
Apprenticeships are available in all four nations of the UK, but the precise way that they work varies by nation, so please use the links below to find out more.
The RSC accredits apprenticeships that meet the standards for the professional awards of RSciTech or RSci (depending on the level of the apprenticeship). Accreditation is a quality mark that guarantees an apprenticeship programme is of a high standard and meets the needs of all stakeholders, including employers.
Explore the list of accredited training providers
If you are wondering whether an apprenticeship could be right for your company, but don’t know where to start, please get in touch using the RSC vocational skills programme team contact form at the bottom of this page and we’ll be happy to talk through your requirements and options.
We greatly need industrial placements for T level students
Could your workplace help develop the next generation of technical talent? We have created tailored guidance for science employers. Find out what T Levels are and the benefits and practicalities of placements.
For apprentices and vocational learners
If you are working towards a work-based qualification, such as a BTEC or apprenticeship, joining the Royal Society of Chemistry offers opportunities to gain additional recognition for your experience, connect you to a worldwide community and demonstrate your passion for the chemical sciences. Work based learners and apprentices can join free of charge for one year using the code APP100.
As an RSC member, you’ll have access to:
- networking opportunities through our local section events, special interest groups and online forums, so you can pursue your passion and connect with like minds.
- up-to-date information to help you track your professional development, including our useful Professional Development recording tool, online resources and webinars.
- grants to support travel to events,outreach and research, as well as personal support and guidance.
- discounts on approved training courses.
- our wellbeing and listening service, if you’re feeling stressed,anxious or overwhelmed and need confidential support.
- Access to Chemistry World to keep up to date with latest news, practical insights and research from across the chemical sciences.
Getting the recognition you deserve will elevate your credibility and confidence, and help you progress in your career. With a recognised professional award, you're raising the bar – not only for yourself but for your profession. It demonstrates to potential employers that you've achieved a high level of competence in your role and that you're committed to continuous professional development.
Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)
Technicians are essential to chemical science practice and teaching. Their mastery of highly specialised equipment contributes to research outputs, their chemical analyses keep us safe and healthy, and they enable students to fall in love with science and to gain the practical skills they need for a science career. RSciTech recognises an individual's highly developed technical competence and professional skills.
If you are working towards, or have already completed, a qualification or apprenticeship at level 3 or above, RSciTech could be right for you.
Discover Registered Science Technician (RSciTech)
Registered Scientist (RSci)
Highly skilled and knowledgeable scientists underpin the advancement of the chemical sciences, and their contribution is as far-reaching as the industries and sectors they work in. RSci is a measure of excellence that recognises an individual's broad knowledge and high level practical skills.
If you are working towards, or have already completed, a qualification or apprenticeship at level 5 or above, RSci could be right for you.
Discover Registered Scientist (RSci)
Some apprenticeship standards in England have been mapped against the requirements for RSciTech and RSci. This means that if you have completed one of these apprenticeships within the past 2 years, you will be eligible to apply through a shortened application.
Check the Science Council page to see if your apprenticeship has been mapped or get in touch using the professional awards team contact form at the bottom of this page.
For schools and parents
If you are looking for resources to help understand the full range of pathways into a chemical science career, A Future in Chemistry is the perfect place to start.
From apprenticeships to full-time vocational or technical qualifications and degrees, there is a broad range of interesting and rewarding careers available to suit all types of learners. A Future in Chemistry provides careers information to help and inspire young people, educators and careers advisers about the wide range of routes available to study chemistry beyond school age, as well as offering useful information and resources about study and career options.
We are committed to helping learners and employers choose high quality apprenticeship programmes. Part of that is providing assurance that programmes provide the knowledge and professional competencies needed for a successful career in the chemical sciences. That’s where accreditation comes in. We accredit apprenticeships following a rigorous evaluation process that helps learners and employers make an informed and confident decision.
For training providers and colleges
We are happy to offer support for colleges, training providers and HEIs that are looking to develop an apprenticeship or other technical or vocational programme. Please get in touch to start a conversation and find out more using the vocational skills programme team contact form at the bottom of this page.
What has been really pleasurable for us was to work with a very open-minded professional body where innovation in teaching is considered, dissected and reflected upon without any preconceived idea as to what a programme should look like, bringing constructive criticism to the programme team, as a critical friend would...
Dr. Chrystelle Egger, MBA, Lead MSc Technical Leadership (Research Scientist Apprenticeship), Keele University
We are committed to helping learners and employers choose high-quality apprenticeship programmes. Part of that is providing assurance that programmes provide the knowledge and professional competencies needed for a successful career in the chemical sciences. That’s where accreditation comes in. We accredit apprenticeships following a rigorous evaluation process that helps learners and employers make informed and confident decisions.
Accreditation is a mark of quality to help both employers and prospective learners when choosing a programme. Accredited providers can apply for funding to cover the training costs of an apprentice at a non-levy-paying company, while learners at accredited providers get support in applying for professional registration. In addition, accredited providers and their learners are invited to exclusive RSC events – including the apprentice graduation celebration – free of charge.
If you would like to find out how your programme could become accredited, please get in touch using the contact form at the bottom of this page.
Explore accredited training providers
Having had the programme accredited has been really well received by our learners, employers and partners, and although it is hard work to put together, successfully going through an accreditation is definitely worth the effort.
Dr. Chrystelle Egger, MBA, Lead MSc Technical Leadership (Research Scientist Apprenticeship), Keele University
Contact our professional awards team
We're here to help. Get in touch with any queries about our professional awards.
Contact our vocational skills programme team
Get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk through your requirements and options.
Become a member
From teachers and lecturers inspiring the next generation, to researchers in academia and industry whose discoveries and innovations are shaping the future – we represent and support a vibrant and diverse community of more than 50,000 people. When you join us, you become part of that community. We will connect you with chemical scientists from all over the world, give you the tools and resources you need to shape your career path, and help you stay at the forefront of your profession.
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