Queensland’s inaugural program for advancing lab technicians will have its final graduation ceremony today for its first cohort of students.
A state government and university partnership made in 2009 paved the way for higher qualification opportunities for lab technologists bringing Queensland in line with other states.
The University of Queensland's Gatton-Vocational Education Centre (UQ G-VEC) and the Department of Education and Training (DET) partnership offers lab technologists a Diploma in Animal Technology.
Prior to the Queensland Government's Environmental Scan in 2008, the highest vocational qualification awarded was a certificate level for people working in the animal laboratory research sector.
Director of UQ G-VEC Mark Pace said the Diploma in Animal Technology program has been successful in closing the gap in the level of training in this sector between the states.
Mr Pace said training included both theory and practical based workshops to cover the gaps in knowledge and experience.
“By recognising the existing skills of lab technologists in Queensland through the Diploma in Animal Technology we have brought the state into alignment with the national standards in the industry,” Mr Pace said.
“We noticed a gap in the industry and were able to gain funding from both Federal and State Government through the Productivity Places Program to upskill existing workers in the animal laboratory research sector.”
“So far we have had 75 lab technologists take part in the program, which has been an excellent step towards closing the gap in training between the states,” he said.
Diploma of Animal Technology graduate, David McNeilly, has twelve years of experience working in the animal laboratory research sector and is working for the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
“Completing this qualification is an excellent stepping stone if I choose to go on and complete a degree program in the future and it also opens more opportunities for me if I choose to work interstate,” Mr McNeilly said.
“I enjoyed completing the additional training and it also has been an excellent opportunity to progress my education in this industry. “
“To receive Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) for my work experience was also very positive and it is good that our on-the-job training is formally recognised,” he said.
Lab technicians working in universities, research facilities and medical establishments are being recognised with a Diploma of Animal Technology in a special graduation ceremony at 1.30pm at St Leo’s College, Building 36F, St Lucia Campus.
For more information on programs offered by G-VEC please phone (07) 5460 1353.
Media: Erin Pearl, Marketing Coordinator, UQ Gatton, (07) 5460 1220, mb: 0409 265 587, e.pearl@uq.edu.au
