In recent years, the traditional technical route into microbiology (combining work with studying for vocational qualifications) has become less popular, although there are still some opportunities. Training features heavily in these jobs, which may be work-based geared to the specific requirements of the post (NVQ level 2 or 3 depending on qualifications at entry) or it may involve studying for an HND or BSc as a day release student. Job opportunities vary according to regional demand and are usually advertised in the local press.

The minimum entry is usually at least four GCSE/Standard grades (A-C/1-3), including two sciences and maths and English, or equivalent, such as Intermediate GNVQ (VGCSE from 2003 onwards)/SVQ Level II or Intermediate 1 or 2, or BTEC first diploma or certificate in science. Sometimes post-16 level qualifications are required by employers.

Modern Apprenticeships offer training opportunities for science technicians in educational institutions and in a range of other science-based industries. In England, advanced Modern Apprenticeships leading to NVQ level 3 for people aged between 16 and 24 years old are available. To find out about local opportunities it is best to contact your local Learning and Skills Council Office. There is a website with information about Welsh schemes and you can also visit local branches of ELWa- Education Learning Wales for more details. Scottish Enterprise provides general information about regional Modern Apprenticeships. There is also a database of schemes in Scotland.

Technician posts can be very skilled and many microbiology technicians in universities, hospital laboratories, industrial and government funded research institutes now enter the work place with a BSc or HND.