Ep 55 - Laboratory Assistant

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What we’re talking about:

In this episode I have 3 guests - Tina is the senior educator of laboratory programs at Holmesglen, Janet is the lead lab manager at Holmesglen, and Parker has studied a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at Holmesglen and he also works with Janet there as a lab assistant. All three guests share fantastic information about what it means to work in a laboratory, the huge range of job opportunities available, and the different pathways you can take if you’re interested in becoming a laboratory assistant or technician.

Pathways to becoming a Laboratory Assistant and Laboratory Technician

Tina shares some great information about the pathways available to becoming a lab assistant and/or technician, including the Certificate III in Laboratory Skills as a VET subject at school and the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques as an entry level course at TAFE. One of the benefits she mentions of completing the certificates is that you gain a qualification each step of the way, which is great for your resume, and also ensures that you have skills that employers are looking for and can readily see if you’ve completed these courses. Tina also mentions the Diploma of Laboratory Technology, which students can choose to do after they complete Certificate IV, and this is the equivalent of the first year of a university degree.

The role of a Laboratory Assistant

Janet gives us an insight into what it’s like to work in the labs at Holmesglen, and the types of activities that she does in her role as the lead lab manager, as well as the day-to-day activities of the other members of her team. Parker works as a laboratory assistant at Holmesglen with Janet, and he also shares what his days look like and also some of the roles that his peers do now that they have completed the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

The benefits of studying at TAFE

Parker is very open about his experiences at school and what led to him leaving school at the end of Year 11 despite being very interested in Science and learning. He contrasts his experience at school with TAFE, and how the environment and focus on hands-on learning was really suited to him. Parker also shares his approach to his career, emphasising the ability he has to use his learning and qualifications as building blocks along the way to access fantastic work opportunities within his field while he continues studying.