Apprenticeship ยท Level 6 ยท Biopharma

Bio Process and Chemical Process Technician

Process technicians help run manufacturing in the biopharma industry. This two-year apprenticeship suits people with good numeracy and analytical skills.

How apprenticeships work: you are hired by an approved employer and paid while you learn, mixing work with blocks of training in a college or training centre. You don't apply through the CAO and you don't need CAO points.

Key facts

How long
2 years
Award
NFQ Level 6 Higher Certificate in Science, Bio Process, Chemical Process Technician
Where you train
  • Higher education institution (off-the-job training); managed by Ibec
Pay
Salary from your employer while training on-the-job and off-the-job (rate agreed with employer)
Costs
There is a student contribution fee, paid each year by the apprentice's employer

Entry requirements

  • Must be hired by an approved employer
  • Full eligibility criteria are on the Process Tech apprenticeship website and brochure

How to apply

You must be hired by an approved employer. You can express your interest through the Ibec bio process technician apprenticeship page, or contact the programme executive.

Express your interest (Ibec) โ†— Official page on apprenticeship.ie โ†—

What you'll learn

  • Help with routine production tasks and equipment preparation
  • Handle materials and do in-process checks
  • Support sampling and prepare solutions for manufacturing
  • Do stock control and equipment upkeep
  • Follow GMP, safety standards and site procedures

Where it can lead

  • Process technician in the biopharma industry

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Chemistry

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Other Biopharma apprenticeships

Tertiary degrees in Manufacturing and Processing

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test โ†’ Try the free 3-minute test

Information from apprenticeship.ie, checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.