Australia's Science Forum

Hi Guys

I was wondering if any of you guys completed a certificate in "Science Laboratory Attending" back in 1990, 1991 at Bankstown TAFE.

My dilemma is that to progress up to the next pay level I need to have completed a Cert 3 or higher, the certificate i have doesnt stipulate as to whether its a cert III or cert IV.
It was a 2 year course so Im thinking it could even be a Cert IV equivalent. I have contacted the TAFE but have not yet had a reply to my question. Just thought MAYBE just MAYBE someone else has done the same course all those years ago.

Heres hoping .....

Dear Nicky - I did the same course, might have been 1992-3 and yes it was a two year course but at Campelltown TAFE not Bankstown, although if I remember rightly it was supposed to be at Bankstown and was changed! It was called "Science Laboratory Attendant's Course - 1128. I should have my certificates at home somewhere, I'll dig them out! I am a Grade 4 - not sure what that means in the Catholic payroll system, but I do know you have to fight tooth and nail to progress. Cheers. Judy

OMG I knew there would be someone out there, I would appreciate any help/details you can give me Judy.

I love chemtalk

Thankyou!!!!

Dear Nicky - No joy I'm afraid my certificate gives no more information! I have a notifcation of course completion in School Laboratory Techniques, Chemistry, School Laboratory Organisation, Laboratory Instruments, Biology and Geology and a Notification of Results in 6148 Certificate in Science Laboratory Attending as at 21st December 1993. Very Sorry. I'd be interested if you learn anything further! Judy

I did mine at Granville 1990 1991 so when I get Home I will have a look and let you know

I'd persist with contacting TAFE, I think they should be able to tell you the current day equivalent. Try ringing, rather than e-mailing, it's a bit harder to ignore you if you're on the end of the phone!

A few years back I did 'School Assistant- in Science' as a follow on to Cert IV Lab Techniques, through TAFE, I am sure it was a Cert III, that was in '04.

Had a look at home but it does not say Cert111 sorry
Like Merilyn said they can tell you the equivalent.

Well I'll be......TAFE finally got back to me and apparently that 2 year course of fairly intense science is only equivalent to a Cert II. So unless I spend around $2000 to upgrade to a cert 3/4 I am stuck..

My cynical mind thinks TAFE wants to get more money from you...

You think....

If you have been working in labs for the last twenty years you would have enough experience under your belt to qualify for RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning). But trying to get the powers that be to accept that is another thing altogether. Particularly when you are looking for a higher pay scale. Ask TAFE if they accept RPL in any of their Certificate courses.

Lyn.

I now have a Cert 4 in TAA - not flying but Training & Assessment. My mate, who is a teacher at TAFE, worded me up on the fact that TAFE's are under directions to grant RPL, wherever possible. Armed with that info, my HOD, whom I love , sat down with me and we wrote up a brilliant & detailed description of all that I do, my level of scientific knowledge, experience, participation in classes, blah blah blah, and they gave me RPL for all of it. Then I just did a 3-day course which covered the "competencies".

So, yeah, pursue RPL, since they are supposed to be doing that anyway!

WOW that sounds too good to be true. Definately worth a try. But I'm guessing you still have to pay full price????

Maybe not, it might not be that expensive, you can only ask! Thanks for the information thats more than I knew last week! Let us know what you decide. I would probably consider doing the same if I were'nt about to retire! Judy

In my experience with TAFE if you get RPL you do not have to pay for the parts of the course you get RPL for because course fees generally apply on a unit basis and if you don't do that unit you don't pay for it. There may be an administration fee involved but it is generally minimal