Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers)

• Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
• Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Specialising in Biotechnology)
• Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
• Certificate III in Laboratory Skills
• Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology

The work of laboratory technicians involves the collection, preparation and analysis of a wide range of samples. Usually working as part of a research team, their results are used to check the quality of foodstuffs and manufactured products, to detect pollution in air, water and soil and to help with diagnosing diseases. While the technician's job usually requires greater knowledge and less supervision than that of a laboratory assistant, the titles are sometimes used interchangeably. Generally speaking, laboratory assistants tend to perform routine, repetitive tests. In addition, they clean glassware and equipment, maintain inventories of samples, and deliver work reports to supervisors. Laboratory technicians participate more fully in research, design, development and the manufacture of scientific products and equipment, as well as the testing of raw materials, processes and finished products.

Not quite the career you are looking for? Please try the related course profiles below:

Medical

Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers),  Aboriginal and Torres Islander Health Worker,  Dental Workers/ Dental Assistants,  Nursing (enrolled),  Veterinary Nurse,  Medical Administrative Officer,  Patient Care Assistant

Scientific

Laboratory and Science Technician (Laboratory Workers),  Geologist and Geophysicist,  Trichologist,  Electronic Engineering Associate,  Viticulturist and Vineyard Hand,  Aquaculture Farmer and Technician,  Veterinary Nurse,  Beauty Therapist,  Food Processing Technician,  Computer Systems Engineering Associate,  Market Research Analyst,  Environmental Scientist / Environmental Project Officer

Entry into this occupation usually requires completion of a certificate course in laboratory techniques or skills. For further information, please check out the TAFE website listed below. The prerequisite subjects for these courses is generally applicable maths, chemistry, biology or human biology. There are 28% of laboratory and science technicians who have Bachelor Degrees, 15% have Advanced Diplomas or Diplomas, 10% have Certificate III or Certificate IV, 9% have Certificate I or Certificate II. While there are 27% who have no post-school qualifications it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to gain the best possible chance of employment.

TAFE SA offer the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation;
Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills,
Certificate IV and Diploma in Laboratory Techniques,
Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Diploma of Laboratory Technology(Specialising in Biotechnology)
Diploma of Laboratory Technology(Specialising in Pathology Testing)
Diploma of Laboratory Technology(Specialising in Biological and Environmental Testing).
Still Unsure! Then enrol in a short course also offered through TAFE SA. For further information about these and related courses go to the TAFE SA website www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

Job opportunities for lab technicians are dependent on factors such as the introduction of new technology, funding for research institutions, the importance placed on research and development by business, the volume of imported and exported products that require testing, and the level of research undertaken to improve the quality of products. A Process Manufacturing Industry Training Council spokesman says that the future employment outlook varies according to which industry they are engaged in, but that overall employment prospects are sound. Their role in testing products and manufacturing processes are becoming more sophisticated and will remain in demand.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing,  Manufacturing,  Mining

''The three main areas that lab and science technicians work in are process manufacturing and construction materials, biomedical and environmental services and food and beverage processing,'' says a Manufacturing Learning Australia spokesperson. Laboratories are found in hospitals, mining companies, companies that manufacture food, universities and organisations such as the Institute of Sport, police forensic services, museums and art galleries. As a laboratory/science technician, therefore, you will work with a variety of professionals, including scientists, medical staff and engineers. A variety of industrial sectors employ laboratory and science technicians:

Laboratory technicians in the health industry, largely work in the area of pathology.

Process manufacturing lab technicians work with chemicals, plastics, pharmaceuticals, household products and the like. They come into contact with dangerous or hazardous chemicals, which means the technicians need to wear protective work gear.

The lab technicians employed in the construction and mining industries are required to carry out tests on raw construction and mining materials and to test out end products. The food processing sector is another significant employer of lab technicians. According to an industry representative, there is currently a strong focus on microanalysis, with assessments being carried out on the microbiological components of food and the testing of genetically modified food.

An interest in secondary school subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and life sciences, a natural curiosity, an investigative mind an interest in scientific enquiry combined with patience and the capacity to concentrate and to pay attention to detail are prerequisites to succeed in this occupation.

Science technical officers must be able to work independently and as part of a team. They must also be prepare to work in different environments and possible travel to remote areas.

As a laboratory/science technician you will work with scientists, chemists, medical staff and engineers. You may care for laboratory animals and plants and help to maintain expensive equipment in good working order. Your work will involve using high tech instruments and computers in laboratories that are very clean and well lit. Standard 9-5, Monday to Friday working hours apply in most laboratory roles, with some opportunities for overtime. However, work priorities govern hours, and if, say, a process emergency arises on the weekend, or if a particular field sample can only be collected late at night, then laboratory staff must fit in. The work tends to be offered on a full time basis. Sometimes your work may involve collecting samples and obtaining measurements outside the laboratory, sometimes in remote areas of Australia.

For further information, contact:

Minerals Council of Australia
PO Box 4497 Kingston ACT 2604
Ph: (02) 6233 0600
Fax: (02) 6233 0699
Email: info@minerals.org.au
Internet Address: http://www.minerals.org.au/careers

The Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology Inc (National Office)
PO Box 6436 Alexandria NSW 2015
Ph: (02) 8399 3996 or 1800 816 148 (FREECALL)
Fax: (02) 8399 3997
Email: aifst@aifst.asn.au
Internet Address: http://www.aifst.asn.au

Starting salaries begin around $38,000 and range as high as $45,000 per year for senior technicians. Positions in remote locations or the mining industry may attract higher salaries.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au