Apprenticeship

The chemical technical professional plays a vital role in production, quality control, and research in laboratories. Currently, they are the majority of the people working in the laboratory. The work of laboratory technicians work can include collecting, preparing, and analyzing samples, carrying out experiments, monitoring chemical processes, analyzing substances to determine their chemical composition, ensuring quality control, setting up lab equipment, compiling technical reports, and interpreting results. They work in a wide variety of organizations including chemical, life science, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities as well as contract analysis laboratories.

The Chemistry Laboratory Apprenticeship Program will immediately connect you with the chemistry profession.  You will ‘earn while you learn’ as you work in the laboratories of one of our Employer Partners.  This will allow you to build your professional network early in your academic and professional career.

The Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Program is a partnership between Missouri Western State University and regional Employer Partners. With a focus on applied learning and workforce development, the program includes both classroom instruction at Missouri Western State University and on-the-job training in the laboratories of one of our employer partners.

The Chemistry Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship program requires completion of the following:

1. Laboratory Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate:

• CHE111 General Chemistry I
• CHE150 Basic Laboratory Skills
• One of the following courses in Biology
  • BIO101 – Principles of Biology
  • BIO105 – Principles of Organismal Biology
  • BIO106 – Principles of Cell Biology
• MAT116 – College Algebra

2. The following additional coursework:

• CHE120 General Chemistry II
• CHE310 Organic Chemistry I
• CHE311 Organic Chemistry I Lab

3. Be continuously enrolled in CHE290 Chemical Apprenticeship I.

4. Complete each of the program workplace competencies.

5. Complete a total of 2000 hours of on-the-job training.

Over the course of your apprenticeship, you will be required to meet a number of professional training goals and competencies. These include:

• Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
  • Conduct chemical or physical laboratory tests to assist scientists in making qualitative or quantitative analyses of solids, liquids, or gaseous materials.
• Clean objects.
  • Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
  • Maintain, clean, or sterilize laboratory instruments or equipment.
• Evaluate quality of materials or products.
  • Monitor product quality to ensure compliance with standards and specifications.
• Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
  • Prepare chemical solutions for products or processes, following standardized formulas, or create experimental formulas.
• Set up laboratory or field equipment.
  • Set up and conduct chemical experiments, tests, and analyses, using techniques such as chromatography, spectroscopy, physical or chemical separation techniques, or microscopy.
• Interpret research or operational data.
  • Compile and interpret results of tests and analyses.
• Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
  • Train new employees on topics such as the proper operation of laboratory equipment.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Write technical reports or prepare graphs or charts to document experimental results.
• Manage scientific or technical project resources.
  • Order and inventory materials to maintain supplies.
• Operate laboratory or field equipment.
  • Operate experimental pilot plants, assisting with experimental design.
• Supervise scientific or technical personnel.
  • Direct or monitor other workers producing chemical products.
• Develop new or advanced products or production methods.
  • Develop new chemical engineering processes or production techniques.
  • Design or fabricate experimental apparatus to develop new products or processes.

Interested in being part of the Chemistry Laboratory Apprenticeship Program? Here is a short roadmap to get you there.

1. Apply for admission to Missouri Western State University as a nondegree-seeking student.
2. Declare your intent to earn the Laboratory Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate.
3. Successfully Complete the following certificate courses
   1. CHE111 – General Chemistry I
   2. CHE150 – Basic Laboratory Skills
   3. MAT116 – College Algebra
   4. One course in Biology from the following list:
      1. BIO101 – Principles of Biology
      2. BIO105 – Principles of Organismal Biology
      3. BIO106 – Principles of Cell Biology
4. Apply for and secure an apprenticeship position with one of our Employer Partners.

Before applying for an apprenticeship position you will need to demonstrate a few skills including:

• Basic laboratory skills
• Basic math skills

You will receive training, and demonstrate competence in these areas by earning the Laboratory Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate.

You will also want to:

• have good time management.
• work well as part of a team and independently.
• be a good communicator.
• be task oriented.
• be detailed-minded.
• be ready to learn something new every day.

Reasons to consider an apprenticeship.

• You will earn while you learn.
• You will gain valuable professional experience that will put you ahead of your peers.
• You are awarded a Department of Labor certificate recognizing completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
• You will earn credit that can be applied toward a 4-year degree in a laboratory science (Chemistry or Biochemistry & Molecular Biology).
• You will establish a professional network that will help advance your career.