Nurturing apprentices to develop skills for life

We are passionate about developing the next generation of chemical scientists because their discoveries and innovations will enrich the future of our world. And apprenticeships can help them develop those skills for life.

Routes into a career in the chemical sciences are as diverse as the people inspired to pursue them. That’s why we’re celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

Support for apprentices
I really enjoyed chemistry at school and was going to study it at university, but took a gap year after my A-levels. During that time, I started working and found I really enjoyed the routine of it, as well as the aspect of controlling my own finances and adult life.
Katty O’Brien-Quilty RSciTech MRSC, Laboratory Analyst at Thames Water (former apprentice)

Katty O'Brien-Quilty headshot

"I started to wonder if there was a way I could continue working while studying – my school hadn’t told us about apprenticeships, so I had no idea of the possibilities. It wasn’t until I was bored one day looking on the government website that I came across apprenticeships and realised they combine working and studying, so it was the perfect match for me.

Hear more from Katty

 

Demonstrate your on-the-job experience with a professional award

The knowledge, skills and behaviours you acquire during apprenticeship make you eligible to apply for a professional award like Registered Scientist (RSci) or Registered Science Technician (RSciTech).

Adding the letters RSciTech or RSci after your name highlights your competence and shows your commitment to continuous professional development. These designations could be your first step towards achieving chartered status.

Find out more

Join us and advance your career

Membership is free for apprentices when you use the code APP100 at the checkout.

Becoming a member means:

  • getting recognised for your workplace experience
  • meeting the right people at the right time
  • having easy access to career information and resources
  • saving money on lifestyle benefits (such as gym membership and cinema tickets)

Find out more

 

Shining a light on apprenticeships

Getting recognition for your apprenticeship – how the RSC celebrates and supports apprentices

Tuesday 6 February, 12.30–1.30pm (UK time)

As part of this year’s National Apprenticeship Week, in this upcoming webinar you can hear from apprentices themselves about the support we provide, as well as find out more about professional registration and the application process.

 

Find out more and register for free

If you're still considering a future in chemistry, step this way for career inspiration

Support for teachers

There are lots of different paths into the chemical sciences. Establishing a career in chemistry doesn’t necessarily require completing a full-time degree at university. Work-based qualifications and apprenticeships are becoming increasingly common.

Apprenticeships offer young people a greater choice of routes when it comes to achieving a career in the chemical sciences. It also gives them the chance to be paid for their work while they develop their skills, knowledge and abilities.

"Earn while you learn" article

A good starting point is this article about apprenticeships, covering everything your students need to know. It explains the basics of work-based training in chemistry – including the benefits, what an apprenticeship involves and the entry requirements for this kind of qualification.

Read the article

Apprentice job profiles

These are also useful inspiration for your students, so they can see where a science-based apprenticeship could take them.

See job profiles

Is an apprenticeship the right route for your students?

This article compares hands-on learning with a more traditional route, and explains the pros and cons of apprenticeships.

Read the article

 

Hear directly from experts about apprenticeships

We also have two videos from our continuing professional development in teaching series:

Insight to apprenticeships in the chemical sciences

Find out what an apprenticeship is actually like, learn about the different types of apprenticeships, and explore potential future career paths. This webinar is helpful for teachers who want to increase their confidence and advise their students about apprenticeships as an option for further education.

A future in chemistry – apprenticeships as routes to chemistry careers

Learn about the array of chemical science roles that are available for apprentices – and don’t require degree-level training to access. This webinar covers the different levels of apprenticeships, from school leaver to degree level, and is useful for teachers who want to increase their confidence and advise their students about apprenticeships.

 

Any questions?

If you have any questions about apprentices or apprenticeships, whether you’re a teacher or an apprentice, please complete this form and we will be in touch.

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Become a member

See all the benefits an affiliate membership can bring and UK and Northern Ireland apprentices can join for free

See what our members say

Read how the support available through our memberships helped apprentices achieve their goals

View our networks

See all the communities and interest groups our members can join to get extra support and meet like-minded people

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