Apprenticeship as a biology laboratory technician
The university has been successfully training young people to become biology laboratory technicians for many years. The apprenticeship lasts 3.5 years, but can also be completed after 3 years with appropriate previous knowledge.
Most of the training takes place in the Institute of Animal Science, where the basic training sections of molecular biology, microbiology and protein biochemistry and immunological detection methods are completed. Our trainees are usually in the respective laboratories for 3 – 6 months before they change departments.
The handling of laboratory animals is also taught and the training at the university offers further diverse insights, for example into work in biotechnological laboratories or into forensic medicine. The employees involve the trainees in the daily work processes, which always results in good support and a great team spirit. Depending on ongoing research projects, trainees can, for example, take samples in agricultural or food-producing companies and accompany anatomical exercises for students.
The imparting of practical knowledge is supplemented by cross-year teaching in English and arithmetic. There is also a wide range of seminars offered by the university, which allow the trainees to further expand their social and professional skills.
For the school part of the apprenticeship, the trainees take part in 1-2 days of vocational school lessons per week, which take place at the Kartäuserwall vocational college in Cologne.
Apprentices who complete their vocational training with good results are currently entitled to continued employment for a limited period of 1 year after their training period.
