Apprentice of the Year Award

The award is divided into two sub groups:

• Group 1: Levels 3 and 4 in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Scottish levels SCQF 5-7. Irish levels 5 and 6.
• Group 2: Levels 5+ in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Scottish levels SCQF 8+. Irish levels 7+.

Applicants should be enrolled on, or have recently completed (last 12 months), an apprenticeship in a technical role, with a strong basis in biological sciences. This will typically, though not exclusively, involve designing and/ or conducting biological experiments, the preparation and management of biological reagents/samples/analyses, or the management of biological resources, such as biobanks or instrumentation. If you are unsure which group to apply to, or have any questions on the application process, please get in touch. 

The Group 1 award recognises apprentices who are:

• Actively developing technical scientific knowledge and expertise in day-to-day work or projects. 
• Acquiring and effectively applying personal/professional development to their bioscience role.
• Making a positive impact and inspiring others and/or demonstrating effective teamwork.

The Group 2 award recognises apprentices who are:

• Applying professional technical scientific knowledge and expertise in new areas of work or projects.
• Acquiring and effectively applying personal/professional development to their bioscience role.
• Making a positive impact and inspiring others and/or demonstrating effective teamwork and collaboration.

The award is open to all bioscience apprentices in the UK currently working within the bioscience sector. Individuals who completed their apprenticeship less than 12 months ago may also apply. If you are applying after completion of your apprenticeship, examples given must be from during your apprenticeship.

Individuals can enter the award by downloading the appropriate application form for their apprenticeship level. 

Applicants should answer the three application criteria questions and demonstrate through a written submission, in no more than 300 words per answer, how they have demonstrated that quality through their activities.

Applicants must complete the application themselves and include a supporting statement from their employer of up to 150-words.

Applicants may include one optional image, data table, or graph to support their application, and this is not included in the word count. Any information exceeding the word count will not be considered by the judges.

Application forms

• Guidance Document
• Group 1 Application Form
• Group 2 Application Form

Both the Group 1 and Group 2 winner will receive £250 in prize money, alongside one year’s free RSB membership and free Registered Science Technician/Registered Scientist (RSciTech/RSci) professional recognition, if they submit a successful application.

In addition, both Groups may have a 'Highly Commended' winner, who will receive a year’s free RSB membership and free Registered Science Technician/Registered Scientist (RSciTech/RSci) professional recognition, if they submit a successful application.

View our news stories about the award winners from previous years: 2024 winners | 2023 winners | 2022 winners