Case Study: Building Practical Science Capacity Through Apprenticeships
Cirencester Kingshill School & Lab Technician Apprentice
The Challenge
When one of the science technicians reduced their hours, Cirencester Kingshill School faced a familiar issue across the education sector: how to replace highly skilled technical support in a school environment where experienced lab technicians are increasingly hard to recruit.
Rather than struggle to fill the gap through traditional recruitment routes, the school took a longer-term, forward-thinking approach, bringing in an apprentice to grow talent internally.
The Decision to Hire an Apprentice
The Science Department recognised two key opportunities:
- A practical need to maintain strong laboratory support
- A strategic opportunity to develop future talent in a shortage occupation
As one staff member shared:
“We needed another technician as one of ours had reduced her hours. I am aware of how difficult it is to get skilled technicians into school, so I was keen to promote training in this field by taking on an apprentice.”
There was also a personal motivation from within the team:
“As an ex-teacher, I enjoy the process of teaching and was keen to develop my skills in applying my knowledge and experience in this field.”
The Apprentice Impact
From the outset, the apprentice quickly became a valuable part of the science department.
Within just six months, she had developed strong practical competence and confidence in the prep room environment.
Key highlights include:
- Supporting daily lab preparation tasks independently
- Gaining trust to manage core technician responsibilities
- Becoming a reliable point of contact for staff requests
A particularly noticeable cultural shift also emerged:
“Staff are now happy to make requests for equipment and practicals directly to Kate. Their first question is no longer ‘Is Jo around?’”
This reflects a clear sign of integration, trust, and growing professionalism.
The Outcome
The apprentice has not only filled a staffing gap but has enhanced how the department operates day to day. Her progression has helped free up senior staff capacity during busy periods and improved responsiveness across the science department.
Working With SWAC
The school’s apprenticeship route was supported through South West Apprenticeship Company, with the school’s Business Manager leading the decision to engage our services.
While internal teams managed the strategic choice, SWAC played a key role in:
- Supporting recruitment and candidate selection
- Managing onboarding, contracts, and compliance processes
- Ensuring the apprentice was placed and supported effectively
Employer Feedback
“Kate is excellent and can already hold her own in our prep room. She can be trusted to get on with many aspects of the job and is a huge help to me, especially when we are busy.”
“From my point of view, SWAC definitely found us an excellent candidate in Kate and have been supportive of the process so far.”
Why It Works
This case study highlights a simple but powerful model:
- Schools gain immediate support in hard-to-recruit roles
- Apprentices gain structured, hands-on career development
- Teams benefit from fresh talent that grows into the role
In Summary
Cirencester Kingshill School’s experience shows how apprenticeships can move beyond “training” into genuine workforce solution, strengthening departments while building future capability from within.
If you’re a school facing similar recruitment challenges, this model offers a practical, sustainable way forward: develop the talent you need, right where you need it.
For more information about Apprenticeships and what we do go to www.theswac.org.uk call 01452 733962 or email info@theswac.org.uk
