Duration
26 weeks
Course Description
This qualification reflects the role of workers who perform a limited range of laboratory operations and is the entry-level qualification required for laboratory personnel across all industry sectors. Job roles include laboratory technicians, instrument operators and similar personnel.
Laboratory technicians perform straightforward laboratory work involving a predictable flow of parallel or similar tasks, usually within one scientific discipline. They follow set procedures and recipes using well- developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. Technicians generally work inside a laboratory but may also perform technical tasks in the field or within production plants. They may also perform laboratory maintenance and office tasks.
Laboratory technicians:
- perform straightforward technical tasks to prepare and test samples using relevant procedures, Australian Standards and readily available advice. These tasks generally require close attention to detail and to the accuracy and precision of measurements. They may require the use of manual or semi-automated techniques
- operate test equipment and instruments and make limited adjustments to their controls
- process and record data and recognise trends and out of control conditions
- solve predictable problems using clear information or known solutions. Where alternatives exist, they are limited and apparent
- work under close and regular supervision, although they may have autonomy for specific tasks and responsibility for their own outputs
- take decisions within defined limits of responsibility
- work as part of a team.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
Career Outcomes
Mineral Assay Laboratory Assistant
Mineral Assay Laboratory Assistants perform routine tasks on incoming ore samples in a mineral preparation plant, or perform straightforward sampling and testing of ores in a laboratory. They assist with conducting routine chemical and physical tests on samples, and may also perform a range of laboratory maintenance and office tasks.
Biomedical Laboratory Assistant
Biomedical Laboratory Assistants work in pathology laboratories, where they receive and prepare tissue samples.
Water Quality Laboratory Assistant
Water Quality Laboratory Assistants work in the area of monitoring water quality where they perform straightforward sampling and testing. They may gather samples and perform routine chemical and bacteriological tests.
Laboratory Assistant
Laboratory Assistants help laboratory staff by collecting and preparing samples, carrying out experiments, recording and presenting results and cleaning, maintaining and setting up equipment for use in experiments. Further training may lead to work as a Technical Assistant in various specific industries.
School Laboratory Technician
School Laboratory Technicians and Assistants set up school laboratory classrooms and prepare chemicals and instruments for students to undertake practical work. Technicians are often more experienced laboratory workers. They may use laboratory software applications, maintain stocks, apply quality systems, perform instrumental and non-instrumental tests and procedures, and calibrate and maintain instruments.
Biological Testing Technical Assistant
Biological Testing Technical Assistants work in laboratories, undertaking straightforward testing of biological samples such as blood.
Environmental Testing Technical Assistant
Environmental Testing Technical Assistants work in environmental laboratories, often field laboratories, undertaking straightforward testing procedures on non-biological materials such as paints, air, etc
Environmental Field Assistant (Sample Testing)
Environmental Field Assistants visit catchment areas to collect water samples for transporting to a regional laboratory for testing.
Construction Materials Testing Technical Assistant
Construction Materials Testing Technical Assistants collect routine site samples, prepare soil samples for testing and test construction materials. They work in construction materials or geotechnical laboratories supporting civil construction industries.
Polymer Testing Laboratory Assistant
Polymer Testing Laboratory Assistants perform straightforward sampling and testing in polymer processing laboratories.
Food Testing Laboratory Assistant
Food Testing Laboratory Assistants gather samples in areas such as milk tankers, vats and the processing line, and perform routine chemical and bacteriological tests on the samples.
Dairy Factory Laboratory Assistant
Dairy Factory Laboratory Assistants work in a dairy factory laboratory where they perform straightforward sampling and testing. They gather samples from milk tankers, vats and the processing line, and perform routine chemical and bacteriological tests on the samples.
CRICOS Details
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills is listed on the official CRICOS register and delivered by Department of Training and Workforce Development in 019909 - Laboratory Technology.
- CRICOS course code: 112031F
- Provider: Department of Training and Workforce Development
- Course level: Certificate III
- Study level: VET
- Field of education: 019909 - Laboratory Technology
- National qualification code: MSL30122
- Dual qualification: No
- Foundation studies: No
- Work component: No
- Work hours per week: 0.00
- Work weeks: 0
- Total work hours: 0
- Course language: English
- Duration: 26 weeks
- Locations: East Perth, Murdoch, WA
This overview is compiled from official CRICOS register data. Confirm fees, duration, intake dates, and entry requirements directly with the provider before applying.