laboratoryoperations

training package msl09

1300 588 588 www.ltt.com.au

Perth25 Colray AvenueOSBORNE PARK WA 6017

Brisbane2/40 Brookes StreetBOWEN HILLS QLD 4006

Melbourne1/128 High Street RoadASHWOOD VIC 3147

training package msl09

laboratoryoperations

Common job roles

Technical Officer

Technical officers conduct a wide range of sampling and testing that requires the application of broad scientific technical knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas. Although technical officers generally work in a laboratory, they often work closely with personnel in other teams within a section of the workplace. Technical officers play an important role in laboratories in industries such as biotechnology, calibration, pathology, food manufacturing and manufacturing in general.

Technical Assistant

Technical assistants undertake a wide range of sampling and testing that requires the application of a broad range of technical skills and some scientific knowledge. Although technicians generally work in a laboratory, they often work closely with other personnel throughout the workplace. For example, a technician who works in a mineral preparation plant receives and logs incoming ore samples and operates handling equipment to move samples to treatment points. In the laboratory, the technician conducts routine chemical and physical tests and redirects other subsamples for specialised analyses.

Sampler/Tester

Samplers and testers conduct limited sampling and measurement as part of their duties. In areas such as mineral assay, for example, this work forms a whole job role. They apply a restricted range of skills and operational knowledge to perform these tasks and do not generally work inside a laboratory.

Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory assistants perform straightforward sampling and testing. They follow set procedures and recipes, and apply well developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. The majority of their work involves a predictable flow of parallel or similar tasks within one scientific discipline.

Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

MSL30109

This qualification provides a broad and flexible package of competencies which meets the needs of laboratory assistants, instrument operators and similar personnel. The core and wide range of electives is designed to maximise the portability of this qualification, which is the entry level required for laboratory personnel.

Workers in these roles can be found in all industry sectors and will perform straightforward sampling and testing. They follow set procedures and recipes, and apply well developed technical skills and basic scientific knowledge. They generally work inside a laboratory but may also perform technical tasks in the field or within production plants. They may also perform a range of laboratory maintenance and office tasks.

Industry sector/specialisations could include (but are not limited to):

• Construction materials testing• Environmental monitoring• Food testing• Mineral assay• Pathology testing• Scientific glassblowing• Wine testing

Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement

MSL20109

In the construction, manufacturing, mining and environmental industry sectors, there is a clear vocational outcome at Certificate II for people working as sampler/testers in production or field operations including, for example, samplers and testers, production personnel, plant operators, production operators, field assistants, drivers and sample couriers. The Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement MSL20109 provides a flexible package of competencies which meets the needs of workers in these roles.

Samplers and testers:

• follow set procedures to sample raw materials and products

• may package, label, store and transport samples

• use simple equipment (hydrometers, thermometers and pH meters) to make measurements and perform basic tests that take a short time and involve a narrow range of variables and easily recognised control limits

• may make visual inspection of products and packaging.

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

MSL40109

The Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques provides a broad and flexible package of competencies which meets the needs of technical assistants, instrument operators and similar personnel.

There is a laboratory role at this level in some industry sectors. For example, some enterprises in the food and manufacturing sectors employ personnel who conduct a wider range of basic tests than do laboratory assistants and who generally have more enhanced quality role.

They may also conduct a limited number of specialised tests. While they generally work in a laboratory, they often work closely with other personnel throughout the workplace and with suppliers. They may assist other personnel to solve technical problems and to adjust formulations and production mixes; they may also train them to collect samples and conduct basic tests.

Industry sector/specialisations could include (but are not limited to):

• Biological testing• Chemical testing• Construction materials testing• Environmental monitoring• Food testing• Manufacturing testing• Mineral assay• Pathology testing• Scientific glassblowing• Wine testing

1300 588 588 www.ltt.com.au

and apply complex principles associated with heat, temperature, fluid flow, behaviour or gases, ionisation, interaction of ionised particles with electric/magnetic fields and the electromagnetic spectrum to understand the design of sample injection systems, instrument pathways, detection and control systems.

They interpret complex technical manuals and test methods and apply logical and lateral thinking, fault finding and troubleshooting skills to optimise instruments and methods. They apply a detailed knowledge of measurement principles (accuracy, precision and calculation of uncertainties), calibration and quality control procedures to instrumental analysis. They work under the general direction of laboratory or quality managers, or scientific/medical personnel.

work area, liaise with outside organisations, customers, suppliers and contractors on technical matters and provide technical information to internal and external customers.

They often provide workplace training and assessment, implement, maintain and promote OHS, quality and other compliance requirements and conduct audits.

Technical Specialist

Technical specialists require both broad and highly specialised knowledge and skills. For example, they need to be able to apply complex chemical principles to prepare samples and separate species effectively

Laboratory Supervisor

In the course of their normal work, laboratory supervisors plan, allocate and monitor resources for their work area and are responsible for their work group’s outputs.

They apply in-depth technical knowledge and skills to deliver the variety of products and services associated with the work area, explain complex instructions and procedures to others and define and solve complex problems by investigating, developing and testing alternatives in response to vague or ill-defined information which is not readily accessible and requires selective analysis.

They make significant contributions to the development of technical and operational policy and procedures within a function or

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

MSL50109

This qualification provides broad and flexible packages of competencies which meet the needs of technical officers, technical specialists and similar personnel.

Workers in these roles conduct a wide range of sampling and testing that requires the application of broad scientific/technical knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some area. Although technical officers generally work in a laboratory, they often work closely with personnel in other teams within a section of the workplace. They may liaise with suppliers to troubleshoot product non-conformance at the direction of laboratory supervisors or managers. The work of technical officers involves frequent peak periods and interruptions.

Industry sector/specialisations could include (but are not limited to):

• Biological testing• Biological and environmental testing• Biotechnology• Calibration• Chemical testing• Construction materials testing• Environmental monitoring• Food testing• Manufacturing testing• Mineral assay• Pathology testing • Scientific glassblowing

Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations

MSL60109

This qualification provides a broad and flexible package of competencies which meets the needs of laboratory supervisors, senior technical officers and similar personnel.

Workers in these roles are generally responsible for the planning, allocation of tasks, coordination, quality assurance, recording and reporting of laboratory outputs within their work area or project team. This requires significant judgement about work sequences, choice of appropriate technology and procedures to ensure that expectations are met, and are provided safely and efficiently in keeping with enterprise business plan.

Under broad direction from scientists/medical staff/engineers the senior technician/supervisor accepts responsibility for the day-to-day operation of his/her work/functional area. They are often responsible for the effective implementation of operational policies and the technical training of personnel in their work area. They also contribute significantly to the development of these policies through the application of specialised technical knowledge.

The work of laboratory supervisors involves frequent peak periods, multiple and competing demands and frequent interruptions. Immediate decisions are often required.

Entry to the Advanced Diploma is via the Diploma, a degree or demonstration of the equivalent competency. Relevant work experience at diploma level is also recommended.

Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations

MSL60109

Diploma of Laboratory Technology

MSL50109

Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

MSL40109

Certificate III in Laboratory Skills

MSL30109

Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement

MSL20109

laboratoryoperationstraining package msl09

PAThwAyS to Industry Qualifications

wOrkPLACeTrAInIng to Suit You

Gaining nationally accredited qualifications and up-skilling your staff could not be easier for your business. LTT’s flexible on-the-job training programs are determined by your business needs, and can start at a time that suits you and your staff.

With our practical training approach, a trainee’s regular work will be used as the basis of the training program, in the workplace. This on-the-job focus ensures the most relevant skills development for your business and allows staff to apply their new capabilities immediately in their roles.

Where additional training is required, the trainee will be provided with a customised training program, which is also delivered in the workplace.

Qualifications consist of core and elective Units of Competency measured against established Performance Criteria. The Performance Criteria will be similar to job roles and functions, making it easy for the trainee to understand how they are being assessed.

LTT delivers training to your business using the nationally accredited Laboratory Operations Training Package MSL09. The MSL09 Training Package, which has been developed in close consultation with industry, offers six pathways to industry qualifications and includes:

1. Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement MSL201092. Certificate III in Laboratory Skills MSL301093. Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques MSL401094. Diploma of Laboratory Technology MSL501095. Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations MSL60109

...who can demonstrate all the necessary skills and knowledge can achieve an entire qualification through RPL.

each Candidate is Different

new employees

LTT understands that each candidate and organisation has different training needs and offers the following pathways to qualification:

A tailored training program is devised for each trainee and training takes place at your workplace with minimal disruption to workflow.

experienced employees

employees with some work experience

...can immediately commence the most applicable MSL09 qualification for their role.

...can achieve part qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the balance through training.

LTT provides nationally accredited training for businesses requiring technically trained laboratory staff with minimal impact to workflow.

With offices in Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne serving locations around Australia, we tailor all our solutions

to take maximum advantage of local funding opportunities.

1300 588 588 www.ltt.com.au

Perth25 Colray AvenueOSBORNE PARK WA 6017

Brisbane2/40 Brookes StreetBOWEN HILLS QLD 4006

Melbourne1/128 High Street RoadASHWOOD VIC 3147