If you like sampling and testing, figuring out how things work and recording relevant data, studying a laboratory operations course or a laboratory management course, might just be the right pathway for you.
At Central Regional TAFE, our programs help you to learn and develop the right skills and knowledge to enable you to collect and prepare relevant samples. You’ll also learn to plan, carry out, measure and record results of various experiments by means of laboratory computing programs, ensuring that you have a comprehensive skill set that will be essential no matter where you go in the industry.
A Certificate in Laboratory Techniques is an entry-level qualification for laboratory personnel, in order to ensure that work standards are met in the laboratory. Progressing onto a Diploma gives you a more dynamic opportunity and contribution to the laboratory team, and opens up opportunities from fields such as chemical science, life science, mining, environmental science, and many more
Upon completing these qualifications, you’ll have the opportunity to enter into the role of:
- a laboratory assistant or
- an instrument operator
You’ll find that beginning a career in laboratory techniques and management can take you to a wide variety of areas, providing an exciting career path that will keep you on your toes and engaged for the years to come.
Laboratory Operations Courses
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
Take a closer look at an exciting career.
Learn the essential skills required to assist in a lab gathering data, testing samples, analysing results and more. The skills you learn with this qualification can take you into labs across multiple sectors and industries.Delivered at:
Study modes:
Take a closer look at a laboratory career.
With a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills you will gain skills in maintaining a laboratory, routine sampling and testing, recording data, and using laboratory computing programs. You will also learn how to prepare cultures, perform sterile techniques and assist with field work.
The work of technical assistants involves similar tasks within one scientific discipline with occasional peak periods and some interruptions. They work under the direction and regular supervision of senior technical staff, laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical personnel. The work of technical assistants is normally subject to frequent progress and quality checks, and generally work in a team and may have responsibility for their own work outputs.
Please note:
This qualification is in transition, and the course code is subject to change.
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
Your lab career break-through is here.
Take the next step in your career with this workplace based intermediate-level course designed to enhance laboratory skills and broaden scientific knowledge in your chosen technical field.Delivered at:
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Get your lab career exactly where you want it.
This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to work as a technical assistant, technician or instrument operator. You will learn about quality control, performance of instrumental and non-instrumental tests, standardisation and the use of solutions.
Although technical officers generally work in a laboratory, they often work closely with personnel in other teams within a section of the workplace. They may liaise with suppliers to troubleshoot product non-conformance at the direction of laboratory supervisors or managers, or gather information on non-conformance and events that may lead to the modification of workplace procedures. They may also demonstrate methods to others and train them to collect samples and conduct basic tests reliably. The work of technical officers involves frequent peak periods and interruptions.
Successful completion can lead to job opportunities in a range of relevant fields including pathology, manufacturing, environmental testing, mining, and biotechnology.
Please note:
This qualification is in transition, and the course code is subject to change.
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Refine your skills and master your career path.
Further develop your skills in analysing, processing and interpreting data, reporting results and applying quality system and continuous improvement processes.Delivered at:
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Take your laboratory knowledge and experience to the next level.
This course will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to use laboratory application software, plan and conduct laboratory/field work and communicate and provide information to customers. You will also be able to specialise in a diverse range of industries including chemical, medical and pathological, mining, biological, and environmental fields.
Technical officers:
- work according to established procedures in a structured environment
- collect and prepare samples and communicate sample requirements to other personnel
- conduct a wide range of routine and specialised tests where atypical samples may be involved and the instrumentation used has a wide range of operating variables
- contribute to the modification of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and enterprise methods when necessary
- define and solve problems where alternatives are not obvious and where investigations and trials may be required and the implications of various solutions considered
- work under the direction and supervision of senior technical staff, laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals, and
- generally work as part of a team and may have a role in the planning of schedules and monitoring of resources in their work area.
Please note:
This qualification is in transition, and the course code is subject to change.
Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
Your career in Science starts here.
This entry-level course that will qualify you to gather, handle and transport samples required for a variety of industry testing situations.Delivered at:
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Kick start your career in science.
There is a strong need for sample collection and laboratory skills across a variety of industries, from mining to food manufacturing and construction to pharmaceutical production. Samplers and testers conduct limited sampling and testing as part of their duties in their particular industry. They apply a restricted range of skills and operational knowledge to perform these tasks and do not generally work inside a laboratory.
Successful completion of this course will qualify you to gather samples required for a variety of industry testing situations. It will also give you the foundation skills necessary to complete further studies in either environmental sciences, health or trades.
Please note:
This qualification is in transition, and the course code is subject to change.