The Queensland Government Department of Education (“the Department”) has partnered with LTT to deliver the Science Technicians capability upskilling program to eligible Science Technicians as part of the Department of Education Certified Agreement 2019 negotiations.

The following qualifications will be offered through the program:

• The MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology, completion of which will enable eligible staff to progress from the TO1 to the TO2 classification level; and

• The MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, available to staff who do not already hold the prerequisites required to directly enter the diploma.

If you have any enquiries, please email info@ltt.edu.au or contact LTT on our free call number, 1300 588 588.

The MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (release status: current) is a nationally recognised qualification that builds technical ability in sample preparation, calibration and maintenance, safe work practices, quality control and more. This specialisation includes additional focus on practical science presentations, aseptic techniques, microscopic examination, chemical tests and using laboratory application software. This specialisation is suitable for laboratory technicians or assistants working in secondary and tertiary education, who may be responsible for managing the day-to-day running of science teaching laboratories and the preparation of practical experiments, demonstrations and testing.

The MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology (release status: current) is a nationally recognised qualification that builds technical ability in calibration and maintenance, using laboratory application software, data analysis, quality control and more. This specialisation includes additional focus on compliance, practical science presentations, aseptic techniques, chemical tests, and supervision. This specialisation is suitable for senior laboratory technicians working in secondary and tertiary education, who may be responsible for managing the day-to-day running of science teaching laboratories and the preparation of practical experiments, demonstrations and testing.

No prior qualifications are required to study the MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques, however basic computer literacy is advantageous.

Entry into the MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology is open to individuals who hold a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (or a relevant certificate IV or higher-level qualification in a relevant science discipline).

Personnel undertaking either qualification must:

• Have access to a computer or appropriate internet-enabled device

• Have a good understanding of written and spoken English

• Complete a pre-training review and language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment prior to enrolment

Typical duration
For staff undertaking both qualifications:

• Certificate IV: 12-18 months

• Diploma: 6-12 months

For staff doing undertaking the diploma level qualification only:

• Certificate IV: N/A

• Diploma: 12-18 months

Face-to-face training and assessment sessions will be scheduled each term and held at the Department’s nominated location and via video conference where applicable.

Both qualifications will be customised to the Department’s requirements. Workplace observation will be used wherever possible when assessing competence to recognise existing skills and ensure training is delivered efficiently and effectively.

Units of competency
Certificate IV:

• No. of core units: 5

• No. of elective units: 10

• Total: 15

Diploma:

• No. of core units: 5

• No. of elective units: 10

• Total: 15

For staff completing the certificate IV, 8 credit transfers will be applied to any subsequent enrolment in the diploma, which will reduce the overall time taken to earn the higher qualification.

Units are assessed via a combination of knowledge questions and practical tasks. Students will receive a Statement of Attainment for units of competency successfully achieved.

Students will have access to learning resources including study guides for each unit of competency. Student documents, policies, forms, and guides (including the Student Handbook) are available from ltt.edu.au/policies-student-documents.

Units of competency common to both qualifications
Core:

• MSL924003 Process and interpret data

• MSL934004 Maintain and calibrate instruments and equipment

Electives:

• MSL914002 Prepare practical science classes and demonstrations

• MSL973016 Perform aseptic techniques

• MSL975043 Prepare animal and plant material for display

• MSMENV472 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

Mixed designation:

• MSL924004 Use laboratory application software (Cert IV: elective; Dip: core)

• MSL944002 Maintain laboratory or field workplace safety (Cert IV: core; Dip: elective)
  

Additional units of competency included in the Certificate IV

• MSL934006 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes (core)

• MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing (core)

• MSL973013 Perform basic tests (elective)

• MSL973014 Prepare working solutions (elective)

• MSL973019 Perform microscopic examination (elective)

• MSL974017 Prepare, standardise and use solutions (elective)

• MSL974019 Perform chemical tests and procedures (elective)
  

Additional units of competency included in the Diploma

• MSL915003  Provide information to customers (elective)

• MSL915004 Schedule laboratory work for a small team (elective)

• MSL916006 Develop and maintain laboratory documentation (elective)

• MSL916007 Manage and develop teams (elective)

• MSL916009 Maintain registration and statutory or legal compliance in work or functional area (elective)

• MSL925004 Analyse data and report results (pre-req: MSL924003) (core)

• MSL935007 Monitor the quality of test results and data (pre-req: MSL924003) (core)

Please note: All training fees are covered by your employer.

Successful completion of the MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques enables enrolment into the MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology.

Successful completion of the MSL50118 Diploma of Laboratory Technology will enable eligible staff to progress from the TO1 to the TO2 classification level.

Further study pathways include the MSL60118 Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations.