Sciences - VET study in science

VET study in science

Employment rate
75.8% of 2006 Natural and Physical Sciences graduates found employment after completing their studies
Graduate views of course experience
87.9% of Natural and Physical sciences graduates were satisfied with the overall quality of training

(Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Student Outcomes Survey 2007)

Careers for science VET graduates

Many VET courses in science prepare students for a range of auxiliary roles, such as laboratory technician. Laboratory technicians can work in a wide range of exciting and varied settings across all industry sectors, and in both the public and private sector.
Some specialised laboratory technician roles may also exist for those who complete certain VET science qualifications (such as a Diploma of Laboratory Techniques). One such role is medical laboratory technician, which may involve conducting routine lab tests for pathologists, microbiologists, biochemists, chemists, pharmacologists, veterinarians, or a range of other scientists. This role may also involve, under supervision, examining micro-organisms, cells and tissues, analysis of blood and other body fluids, or assisting with scientific research projects.

Advancement to more senior positions in this field may require completion of additional skills, perhaps at university level.

Courses and specialisations

Science courses in the VET sector are very accessible and tend to be career focused and rich in practical learning opportunities. A broad range of course options exists in applied sciences, including animal technology, biotechnology, environmental science, forensic science, health science, and marine studies, among others.

Many of the VET courses on offer throughout the country are certificate- or diploma-level courses in ‘laboratory skills’ or ‘laboratory techniques’, which equip students for employment as technical officers or lab technicians in a range of science-based industries. Various diploma courses in laboratory technology are available in specific areas of specialisation — you could choose a course in biological and environmental testing, biotechnology, chemical and forensic testing, food testing, geoscience, and pathology testing.

Study in such courses aims to develop high-level technical skills complemented by sound scientific knowledge. Work experience tends to be an integral component in many of the courses in this field of study, much of which is taken in the second year of study (for diploma courses).

Which course is for you?

Choice of course in this field will likely depend on your particular area of interest and where you see your career goals. If you are unsure where you’d like to end up working, or in which specific area of science, you might be best looking into general science courses.

On the other hand, if you have a good idea of the scientific area that best interests you, and in which you aim to establish your career, you may wish to select one of the more specific courses with a specialisation in a particular area (example, pathology testing or biotechnology).

Getting in

Entry requirements for VET courses in science will depend on the level of course, and on the particular institution. Generally speaking, certificate-level courses will require a minimum of Year 10 school completion (or equivalent), and may require applicants to be able to demonstrate their capability to successfully complete the course.

Entry to diploma courses in this field will likely require completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) and, depending on the institution, may or may not require prerequisite subjects. Where prerequisite subjects do exist they will typically be in English, Biology and Chemistry. Non-Year 12 applicants may be required to have relevant employment or experience and/or demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the program.

Where to study

VET courses in this field are offered at both metropolitan and regional campuses throughout the country in all states and territories except the Northern Territory. Victoria currently offers by far the largest number of courses in this field, and a great range of choice in terms of the level of course and specific subject area. New South Wales and Western Australia also offer a good selection of courses.

What to look for

Since practical experience is an important aspect of many of the courses in this field, it is important to check that the courses and institutions you’re considering have good facilities and provide access to the latest equipment and techniques. The best courses should also have good contacts with industry and employers and be able to assist students to find work experience placements.

Pathways

In some instances courses in this field may provide articulation pathways to higher levels of study both within the VET sector and from VET to university study. Credit and recognition of prior learning may be given for some of the lower level VET courses (such as certificate II, III or IV) towards diploma courses in the same of related subject area.
Similarly, students who complete diploma courses may be eligible for entry into degree courses in science or applied science. In such instances, recognition of prior learning may result in exemption from one to two years of the bachelor course.

Case study

Graduates of the RMIT Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing) may be able to gain entry to the Bachelor of Applied Science. Through recognition of prior learning, students may be eligible to apply for an exemption of one year from the three-year degree.