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.
Some things you'll learn:
- How to work according to established procedures in a structured environment
- How to collect and prepare samples and communicate sample requirements to other personnel
- How to 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
- How to define and solve problems where alternatives are not obvious and where investigations and trials may be required and the implications of various solutions considered
This course is right for you if:
- You enjoy working as a part of a team
- You enjoy planning schedules and monitoring resources
- You're comfortable working under the direction and supervision of senior technical staff, laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical professionals
This course is half price for everyone (excl. school students) as part of the Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative. Fees are also capped at $1,200; or $400 if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more here.
^ You’ll pay half price course fees on Lower fees, Local Skills qualifications, however please note other fees may apply such as for resources that are specifically needed for your course.
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| C Grades in Year 11 WACE General English, and OLNA; or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 11 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate II or Certificate III |
Please note:
This qualification is in transition, and the course code is subject to change.
Certification
Upon successful completion you will receive a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
Job opportunities include:
- Air Quality Sampler
- Quarry Aggregates Sampler
- Dairy Food Laboratory Assistant
- Food Laboratory Assistant
- Laboratory Assistant
- Pathology Laboratory
- Food Laboratory Technical Officer
For more information about job and career pathways, visit JobOutlook(opens in a new tab) or Jobs and Skills WA.
Please note: This list is a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
We offer a range of further study opportunities, view our course list here.
Study options and how to apply
Click on your preferred study option below to get started with your application or enrolment.
Available all year round, 2023
Geraldton - Self Paced External
Many of our courses offer flexible learning options that provide you with the opportunity to study WHENEVER and WHEREVER suits you. Typically, flexible, and self-paced options are part-time and open for enrolment all year round, allowing you to start, enrol and study continuously.
Once you enrol into your chosen units, you will have six (6) months from the date of your enrolment to complete your study.
| Duration | 6 Months |
| When | Available all year round, 2023 |
| Where | Geraldton |
| How | Self Paced External |
READY TO APPLY?
Use the APPLY NOW box to register and apply for this course. Our Lecturer will assess your application online. You can follow the Register & Apply guide here.
FEES
Calculate your estimated fees in the above UNITS AND FEES tab.
Semester 1, 2023
Geraldton - Classroom
| Duration | 2 Semesters |
| When | Semester 1, 2023 |
| Where | Geraldton |
| How | Classroom |
READY TO APPLY?
Use the APPLY NOW box to register and apply for this course. Our Lecturer will assess your application online. You can follow the Register & Apply guide here.
FEES
Calculate your estimated fees in the above UNITS AND FEES tab.