Labratory Technician Apprenticeship

Working Week

Monday - Friday up to 30 hours per week

About the Course

PE26 1JU - To support the day-to-day workflow of a dental laboratory specialising in Crown & Bridge (fixed restorations) while developing the practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours required to become a qualified Dental Laboratory Technician.

Qualifications Required

GCSEs in Maths, English, and a science subject (or equivalent) at grade 4-9 or equivalent.

Personal Qualities

• Ability to work unsupervised following a planned work schedule
• Writing and numeracy skills
• Familiarity with computers / keyboards / typing skills
• Word, Excel, Access - statistics, graphs, data analysis
• General awareness of importance of safety, and in particular safety issues of working in a laboratory.

Skills Required

• Ability to work unsupervised following a planned work schedule
• Basic writing and numeracy skills
• Familiarity with computers / keyboards / typing skills
• Word, Excel, Access - statistics, graphs, data analysis
• General awareness of importance of safety, and in particular safety issues of working in a laboratory.

Training to be Provided

Laboratory Technician Level 3

Future Prospects

Because of the technical experience you will gain from working in a laboratory, you will gain skills which many graduates have yet to develop. If you have practical ability, ability to solve problems and good communication skills there are opportunities for progression towards higher qualifications.

Key Duties (with training and supervision)

• Receive and log incoming dental work and prescriptions
• Prepare work for production (organising cases, tracking stages, meeting deadlines)
• Assist with model work where required (e.g., trimming, articulation support)
• Support Crown & Bridge production processes as skills develop (e.g., preparation tasks across the workflow)
• Assist with finishing and polishing support under supervision
• Carry out basic quality checks (presentation, completeness, basic fit checks on models where applicable)
• Maintain a clean, organised work area and follow lab housekeeping procedures
• Follow infection control, health & safety, and PPE requirements
• Support packing, labelling, and preparing work for dispatch
• Complete apprenticeship coursework and build portfolio evidence in line with deadlines

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Good manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Interest in science, design, or healthcare
• Ability to follow precise instructions
• Patience and focus
• Basic IT skills (especially for digital dentistry)
• Teamwork and communication skills

Working Hours

• Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
• Flexible arrangement available to make up 30 hours per week (agreed rota within the above hours)

Apprenticeship

You will undertake the Laboratory Technician apprenticeship (Dental Pathway) alongside on-the-job training in a dental laboratory environment.

Career Progression

• Become a qualified Dental Technician
• Specialise in areas such as Crown & Bridge work
• Specialise in Orthodontics
• Specialise in Prosthetics (dentures)
• Move into senior, supervisory, or lab management roles
• Start your own dental lab business