The MSc in Technical Leadership (Biomedical Science) apprenticeship at Keele University was awarded RSB apprenticeship accreditation this autumn following a rigorous independent assessment. Making history, this is the first award of its kind given out by the Society.

Apprenticeship accreditation is the RSB’s newest accreditation offering, looking at apprenticeships from levels 5-7. It is centred on the premise that learners on an accredited programme are able to develop the skills, knowledge, and professional competencies required for the professional award of Registered Scientist or Chartered Biologist (dependent on the level of the programme).

The Research Scientist Apprenticeship at Keele offers individuals the opportunity to earn and learn simultaneously. Apprentices will earn in the workplace, while studying at university towards a degree. The programme is designed to develop well-rounded technical leaders, equipping them with the scientific knowledge, skills and behaviours to succeed in their organisation and beyond.

All accredited programmes share core principles to: recognise academic excellence in bioscience apprenticeship programmes; provide learners with a profile of key skills; drive up standards; and ensure employer engagement throughout the training process. Currently, we can accredit apprenticeships at RQF levels 5-7 that also deliver a degree qualification as part of the programme.

Dr Chrystelle Egger, Programme Lead for MSc Technical Leadership (Research Scientist Apprenticeship) at Keele University, said: “We, at Keele, are absolutely delighted to see the MSc Technical Leadership in Biomedical Science used to deliver the Research Scientist apprenticeship accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. That an apprenticeship at level 7 is recognised to have fulfilled the robust accreditation criteria of the RSB is fantastic news for vocational learning in the 21st century. Working with the RSB has been incredibly positive and rewarding; the whole process was both thorough and friendly, and we very much valued the key discussions that took place during the accreditation visit. We are thrilled to be able to offer this accreditation success to our apprentices and to our employers.”

The RSB’s Director of Accreditation and Professional Affairs, Paul Trimmer MRSB, said: “We’re really proud to offer the first apprenticeship accreditation to the very deserving Technical Leadership programme at Keele University. We strongly support apprenticeships and the variety of careers they open doors to by equipping graduates with the necessary skills and experience for employment. We are looking forward to seeing this evolve further.”

For more information about apprenticeship accreditation, please email our Senior Accreditation Officer Tessa Gibson: tessa.gibson@rsb.org.uk