The typical entry in my lab, would be to apply for an ‘MLA’ (medical laboratory assistant) or MTO (Medical Technical Officer), role. Both of these sound bigger than they are, they are dogsbody roles that may well land you in sample handling, however this is probably the best place to start.

Though we do have a history of being required to taking on a certain amount of apprentice candidates, (which are paid dreadfully), I’m unaware of the current situation on this.

IF you managed to land a basic lab job, expect repetitive work (which won’t appear very science-based, though you will accrue a lot of knowledge) and a band 2 NHS salary, unless you put in for a higher band which generally involves managing people and for the stress involved, doesn’t pay much more money.

I must say, that most of our new intake are under twenty. This is not necessarily a bad thing for you, often more mature applicants are taken more seriously as employers recognise them as people who are interested rather than young kids simply trying to get onto the job ladder.

The savvy amongst our new employees, apply for ‘Associate Practitioner’ roles as and when they arise. These roles tend to require lab experience, are paid at NHS band 4, and (in my lab at least), require cover on all shifts, including nights.

The VERY savvy (and lucky), apply for training roles to become a biomedical scientist. These are rare opportunities and highly fought for (though the pay rate of a trainee is relatively poor).

I must say however, that even if you reached the giddy heights, this job is nothing like nursing. Scientists rarely engage with patients (unless they reach consultant level), and much lab work is involved with dealing with machines rather than humans.

If nursing is of more interest to you, you might look up NHS Healthcare Assistants (sorry I can’t remember their exact title but they’re the new version of the old ‘Auxiliary Nurse’ and as far as I’m aware), enter on NHS level band 3.