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Overview
At Fera, we are proud to be an award-winning apprenticeship employer, committed to developing the next generation of scientists and technical specialists. Each year, we recruit and train apprentices across our organisation, offering them hands-on experience in a dynamic and varied work environment while providing nationally recognised qualifications. Our key partners on apprenticeships are our local providers York College and York St John University (YSJ), and our national providers, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Keele University, CSR Scientific Training Group and Apprentify.
Following our apprenticeships starting in 2011, we have continued to grow in our offerings. The Level 6 (Degree) Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship with MMU was a natural next step in 2018, followed by the Level 6 (Degree) Digital Marketing Apprenticeship with MMU in 2021, the Level 6 (Degree) Data Scientist Apprenticeship with YSJ, the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship in 2024 with York College, and the Level 4 Quality Practitioner Apprenticeship, Level 6 (Degree) Environmental Practitioner and the Level 3 Information Communications Technician (IT) Apprenticeship all in 2025. Fera continues to monitor and evaluate new apprenticeships within the business.
Our apprentices do not need experience; the entry requirements are either an A-Level in Biology or Chemistry or a Level 3 science-based qualification. All we ask is that our apprentices bring their enthusiasm for science and a willingness to learn, following that we’ll give them all the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Our annual recruitment of apprentices completes a Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship with York College which includes Level 4 (HNC) in Applied Sciences, enabling our apprentices to use a passion for science and a practical mindset to kickstart their careers in a dynamic and varied work environment. Upon completion of the Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship, staff may be able to progress onto the Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship with Manchester Metropolitan University.
Current apprenticeships being run at Fera include:
Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (with Level 4 Biological Sciences (Cert HE)) - York College
Level 3 Information Communications Technician (IT) - Apprentify
Level 4 Quality Practitioner - CSR Group Scientific Training
Level 6 Laboratory Scientist - Manchester Metropolitan University
Level 6 Digital Marketing - Manchester Metropolitan University
Level 6 Data Scientist - York St John University
Level 6 Environmental Practitioner - Keele University
How will you learn at Fera?
+ You will learn to apply original thinking, with a high quality, broad science skill set, making a positive impact on the business' success and leaving well placed for future employment across the science sector.
+ Dedicated support and development opportunities are provided to help get optimal value from your time at Fera and help increase employability, in fact, many of Fera’s apprentice graduates secure permanent positions.
+ Fera holds an ISO 9001 accreditation and our apprentices are trained to a high standard to uphold these values.
+ Working alongside world-class scientists, from whom you will gain valuable knowledge and expertise.
+ You will work towards our values and shared mission gaining expertise and applying this knowledge to hands-on work using original thinking and ingenious techniques in a unique environment. But, at Fera, we see this as a means to accelerated progression in our company - a fast track to greater challenge, impact, and responsibility.
What site facilities will you have access to?
York Biotech Campus offers sophisticated science accommodation, a top range of support services, an enviable location, and opportunities to interact with world-class scientists and businesses all working at the interface of government, academia, and industry.
On site you will have access to a range of facilities that will assist in developing your learning and daily activities.
+ Molecular Technology Unit: cutting-edge molecular diagnostics and DNA analysis facility (including high-throughout real-time PCR, field portable DNA testing equipment and Next Generation Sequencing)
+ Thomson Suite: one of the UK’s largest mass spectrometry facilities with over 40 different instruments.
+ Quarantine Glasshouses & CE rooms: extensive suite of high-containment facilities for holding non-indigenous pests and pathogens, with its own dedicated horticultural team.
+ Reference collections: Fera hosts internationally important reference collections including over 100,000 entomological specimens, the world’s largest collection of plant-parasitic nematodes and the NCPPB (National Collection for Plant Pathogenic Bacteria).
+ Bee Research Unit: maintains over 60 experimental apiaries as part of its work with Defra’s National Bee Unit and other work on bee and pollinator health.
+ Remote sensing: Fera has its own small fleet of UAVs (‘unmanned aerial vehicles’) with trained pilots and GIS modelling capability.
+ Agri-food datasets: custodians of nationally important long-term datasets including pesticide usage and disease monitoring.
A Day in the Life at Fera
No day is the same here at Fera, and for our apprentices across the business, it can vary. From science roles to corporate roles, Fera offers a range of schemes in different different areas of the business. That's why we have put together some videos to give you an insight into what to expect as an apprentice at Fera.
Grace, one of our first-year Level 3 Business Administration apprentices, shares her experience in the corporate office working with the executive team.
Listen to Harvey, one of our Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprentices, shares his experience as a year 2 apprentice here at Fera.
A Few Words From Our Graduates...
James Stubbs | Graduate
Level 6 Apprenticeship in Laboratory Science and Biological Sciences BSc (Hons)
How did you develop your skills during your apprenticeship?
"The apprenticeship has improved my time management skills and enhanced my knowledge of scientific processes in and beyond the scope of my team."
What advice would you give to current or aspiring apprentices?
"I would highly recommend the apprenticeship scheme but be prepared to put a lot of work in! The apprenticeship enhanced my scientific knowledge, gave me more confidence in myself and opened up new opportunities for me in the workplace."
Holly Steel | Graduate
Level 6 Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing
How did you develop your skills during your apprenticeship?
"I feel I have gained a lot of skills working here at Fera. I have been able to improve my communication skills with staff internal to the business as well as externally to suppliers and events officers."
What advice would you give to current or aspiring apprentices?
"I would say, consider an apprenticeship if you're not sure what you might want to do. University can be a big pressure to decide whether you want to go or not and if you pick a subject that isn't right for you, you're stuck in the middle with the costs and not knowing where to go next!"
Fera's Achievements
Fera Science Ltd., (Fera) is proud to have been named Large Employer of the Year at the 2025 North Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, recognising this commitment to nurturing emerging talent and driving regional growth through vocational development.
This award celebrates Fera's dedication to providing high-quality apprenticeship programmes that combine hands-on experience with academic learning. Based in Yorkshire, Fera continues to invest in the future workforce by developing opportunities for young professionals, collaborating with local education providers, and supporting career pathways in science, technology, and sustainability. The organisation's focus on skills development helps retain local talent, contributes to the regional economy, and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Fera remains committed to empowering apprentices to grow into future leaders across its diverse and impactful areas of work.
Fera Science Ltd., (Fera) won with its inaugural entry in the ‘Business Innovation of the Year’ category and went on to win the top award of Press 'Business of the Year 2022'.
As the winning organisation in the Innovation category, Fera is proud of its Yorkshire base and its work with regional, national and global partners, continually investing and expanding its product and service offerings to not only respond to industry requirements but to also continue to support the local economy by creating high quality employment. Working with talent from within the region alongside a programme of regional community engagement and investment in our staff, apprentices and PhD students, Fera provides attractive career progression opportunities.
Start your journey with Fera’s Apprenticeship Programme
Overview of Apprenticeships at Fera
Since introducing the Laboratory Technician apprenticeship at level 3 in 2011, we have harnessed new talent, bringing in and progressing apprentices to help Fera develop the next generation of scientists and corporate staff. Fera works with local schools and the City of York Council Skills Team to share our Scientific carried out at Fera and attends careers events at local York schools to talk about our apprenticeships.
Current apprenticeships being run at Fera include:
- Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (with Level 4 Biological Sciences (Cert HE)) - York College
- Level 6 Laboratory Scientist
- Level 6 Digital Marketing - Leeds Trintiy University
- Level 7 Research Scientist - Keele University
Click here for further information on some of the apprenticeships offered here at Fera.
How will you learn at Fera?
The Fera apprenticeship programme provides 24 months of hands on laboratory experience and an opportunity to start your training in a role that delivers world-class science and supports you to develop your career in the science sector.
-
You will learn to apply original thinking, with a high quality, broad science skill set, making a positive impact on the businesses success and leaving well placed for future employment across the science sector.
-
Dedicated support and development opportunities are provided to help get optimal value from your time at Fera and help increase employability, in fact many of Fera’s apprentice graduates secure permanent positions.
-
Fera holds an ISO 9001 accreditation and our apprentices are trained to a high standard to uphold these values.
-
Working alongside world-class scientists, from whom you will gain valuable knowledge and expertise.
-
You will work towards our values and shared mission gaining expertise and apply this knowledge to hands on work using original thinking and ingenious techniques in a unique environment. But, at Fera, we see this as a means to accelerated progression in our company - a fast track to greater challenge, impact and responsibility.
What site facilities will you have access to?
York Biotech Campus offers sophisticated science accommodation, a top range of support services, an enviable location and opportunities to interact with world class scientists and businesses all working at the interface of government, academia and industry.
Onsite you will have access to a range of facilites which will assist in the development your learning and daily activities.
- Molecular Technology Unit: cutting-edge molecular diagnostics and DNA analysis facility (including high-throughout real-time PCR, field portable DNA testing equipment and Next Generation Sequencing)
- Thomson Suite: one of the UK’s largest mass spectrometry facilities with over 40 different instruments.
- Quarantine Glasshouses & CE rooms: extensive suite of high-containment facilities for holding non-indigenous pests and pathogens, with its own dedicated horticultural team.
- Reference collections: Fera hosts internationally important reference collections including over 100,000 entomological specimens, the world’s largest collection of plant-parasitic nematodes and the NCPPB (National Collection for Plant Pathogenic Bacteria).
- Bee Research Unit: maintains over 60 experimental apiaries as part of its work with Defra’s National Bee Unit and other work on bee and pollinator health.
- Remote sensing: Fera has its own small fleet of UAVs (‘unmanned aerial vehicles’) with trained pilots and GIS modelling capability.
- Agri-food datasets: custodians of nationally important long-term datasets including pesticide usage and disease monitoring.
Meet the Apprentices
Our apprentices below are from a range of different positions within the business, starting at the beginning and some working their way up the career ladder to becoming mangers in their departments.
Read through their journey's below to find out who our apprentices are, their experiences on their course and at Fera.
Fera's Achievements
Fera Science Ltd. celebrates success at the York Press Business Awards
Fera Science Ltd., (Fera) won with its inaugural entry in the ‘Business Innovation of the Year’ category and went on to win the top award of Press Business of the Year 2022.
As the winning organisation in the Innovation category, Fera is proud of its Yorkshire base and its work with regional, national and global partners, continually investing and expanding its product and service offerings to not only respond to industry requirements but to also continue to support the local economy by creating high quality employment. Working with talent from within the region alongside a programme of regional community engagement and investment in our staff, apprentices and PhD students, Fera provides attractive career progression opportunities.
Click here to read more.
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