Laboratory Technicians are required to do laboratory tests and assist technologist, scientists and other workers related to this sector. Some areas of work for these technicians are scientific analysis and testing, education, research and development, forensic science, and manufacturing. They are involved in developing new products, measuring levels of pollution, diagnosing diseases, and carrying out several kinds of tests.

A Laboratory Technician usually performs many of the following tasks:
• Analysing samples.
• Reporting data.
• Setting up investigations and experiments.
• Ensuring equipment cleanness.
• Testing materials.

• Having abilities to meet deadlines.
• Having competent math and IT skills.
• Being able to work alone and inside a team.
• Being methodical.
• Being able to concentrate for long periods of time.
• Having good problem solving abilities.
• Being responsible.
• Being able to work under pressure.
• Having high attention to details.
• Having good communication abilities.

Laboratory technician jobs have a wide variety of requirements for applicants. Most employers look for technicians with four GCSE’s/S grades (A-C/1-3), including English, science, math or equivalent subjects as a minimum. In the case of the National Health Service, there are no further requirements to be a laboratory technician, but it is always recommended to have other degrees.

Apprenticeships are good paths to enter to this area by providing training schemes with an employer. Arrangements for these courses are different for every country of the United Kingdom.