Diploma Training for Chemical Technicians in Australia

We describe aspects of the present and past training of chemical technicians in Australia, with particular reference to that for senior technicians, technical officers, and those anticipating a career in laboratory management (i.e., diploma courses). We refer to the present study pathways for beginning science technicians leading to a full-time (or part-time equivalent) diploma course offered either by the State Departments of Technical and Further Education (TAFE) or by the universities. Credit for appropriate diploma subjects towards a university science degree is available. We emphasize the national unified nature of training according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which sets syllabi for subjects in conjunction with the Australian Standards Framework (ASF) levels that depend on such factors as breadth, depth, and complexity of skills and knowledge, range of activities undertaken, degree to which tasks are routine or complex, level of judgment required, and level of autonomy and responsibility for others. Recognition of the two-year diploma with suitable chemical laboratory or technology experience is through the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), and the letters AT (Associate Technician) RACI denote the new grade of membership of the RACI, the equivalent of the ACS in America. Sample structures for a Certificate IV and Diploma of Chemical Laboratory Technology are given.