1. Career Progression Pathways Health and Life Sciences
Overview…
In 2016, there were 125,165 jobs in the sector which accounts for 20.3% of total LCR employment – 50,400 of these are in adult social care
The health and life sciences sector is an important source of world leading innovation and a major employer in the Liverpool City Region (LCR).
2895 businesses of varying sizes.
Average annual gross pay in 2016 was £19,176
Linked to a large health and social care sector are globally important centres of life science research and development, alongside key pharmaceutical manufacturing activities. The combined resources, activity and specialist capacity within the sector positions the LCR as an international centre of excellence.
Will there be opportunities?
From making great discoveries to providing well established products and services, there are a wide variety of exciting life sciences careers.
Life Sciences workers are based across a range of organisations broadly grouped within Academia (Universities & research institutions), Healthcare (a large majority in the NHS) and in Industry (including production).
The number of employees in this area grew by 4080 between 2010 and A number of sub sectors have seen exceptionally strong growth: dental practice activities (87% growth), general medical practice activities (86% growth) and child day care activities (41% growth).
Did you know?
37% of staff are aged 50+ compared to an average in other sectors of 32%
The LCR has world leading assets and resources that underpin a highly dynamic and innovative sector. There is internationally renowned research at local Universities, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and outstanding NHS organisations such as Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, The Walton Centre, Clatterbridge, the Royal Liverpool Phase 1 Unit and Innovation Agency.
For the period 2015 – 2025, the number of jobs is anticipated to increase by 4000
Other useful skills in this sector:
Ability to manage own time and prioritise tasks
Managing and motivating other staff
There are also a growing base of science and technology companies at Sci-Tech Daresbury and Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter.
Setting objectives for others
More information available from:
Merseyside Health Sector Career and Engagement Hub
Dental Technician
Dental technicians create crowns, bridges and dentures after receiving an impression of the patient’s teeth from a dentist.  There are three main departments in a dental lab: Crown & Bridge, Porcelain, and Dentures.  
Other jobs:
Care assistant, nursery worker, counsellor, playworker, hospital porter
Laboratory Technician
Lab technicians are skilled workers that work with complex systems or perform highly technical mechanical or diagnostic tests in medical or science  labs. Technicians may work independently or under the direction of a professional
Other jobs:
Dispensing optician, radiography assistant, interpreter, admin clerk
Researcher
Researchers may be hired temporarily for specific projects or they may be full-time employees for organisations requiring ongoing research services. They largely work independently gathering and interpreting data
Other jobs:
Research associate, research analyst, research scientist, market researcher
Psychologist
A professional specializing in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, emotional disturbance, and behaviour problems. It is the science of behaviour and mind, including conscious and unconscious thoughts
Other jobs:
Pathologist, Doctor-GP, Anaesthetist, Clinical scientist, Optometrist, Pharmacist, Social Worker

2. Educational Level Example Qualification Typical Earnings / Role
Entry Level
Involves building basic knowledge and skills and is not geared towards specific occupations.
Entry Level Award, Certificate or Diploma
Entry Level English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
Entry Level Essential or Functional Skills
Skills for Life
Level 1
Involves activities which mostly relate to everyday situations and may be linked to job competence.
First Certificate
GCSE grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
Level 1 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 1 ESOL
Level 1 Essential or Functional Skills
Level 1 National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
Music grades 1, 2 and 3
Level 2
Involves building knowledge and skills in relation to an area of work or subject area for many roles.
CSE grade 1
GCSE grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*-C
Intermediate Apprenticeship
Level 2 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 2 Essential or Functional Skills
Level 2 National Certificate or Diploma
Level 2 NVQ / Level 2 ESOL
Music Grades 4 and 5
O Level Grade A, B or C
Level 3
Involves obtaining detailed knowledge and skills. It is for people wishing to go to university, working on their own or supervising others.
A Level / AS Level
Access to Higher Education Diploma
Advanced Apprenticeship
Applied General
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Level 3 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 3 National Certificate or Diploma
Level 3 NVQ / Level 3 ESOL
Music Grades 6, 7 and 8
Tech Level
Level 4
For people working in technical and professional jobs and/or managing and developing others
Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
Higher Apprenticeship
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
Level 4 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 4 NVQ
Level 5
For people working as higher grade technicians, professionals or managers
Diploma of Higher Education
Foundation Degree
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Level 5 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 5 NVQ
Level 6
Involves the achievement of high level of professional knowledge and is for people working as knowledge based/management professionals
Degree Apprenticeship
Degree with Honours e.g. Batchelor of the Arts (BA) hons; Batchelor of Science (BSc) hons
Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma
Level 6 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 6 NVQ
Ordinary Degree without honours
Level 7
Integrated Master’s Degree e.g. Master of Engineering (MEng)
Level 7 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Level 7 NVQ
Master’s Degree eg MA or MSc
Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate in Education PGCE
Level 8
Doctorate e.g. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or DPhil)
Level 8 Award, Certificate or Diploma
Salaries starting from £12,000+
Salaries starting from £12,000+
Salaries starting from £14,000+
Salaries starting from £16,000+
Salaries starting from £18,000+
Salaries starting from £20,000+
Salaries starting from £25,000+
Salaries starting from £28,000+
Salaries starting from £35,000+
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