Isaac samples dream career

“I’m currently studying the Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement (MSL20122) at TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba campus,” TAFE at School student, Isaac, began.

“This course has really shown me what jobs are needed for this field I'm studying, the duties, and it’s definitely helped me to learn the basics,” he shared.

Isaac is completing the TAFE at School course with his eye firmly set on a science career. This qualification will give him entry-level knowledge to initially work as a sampler, field assistant or laboratory attendant — all positions which are in demand across the mining, food manufacturing, construction and pharmaceutical production industries.

However, Isaac’s story is a little bit different to his TAFE at School peers, as he’s also a homeschooling student, living in Millmerran — a regional farming town located an hour’s drive from the laboratory facilities he trains in.

“My dad is a pastor, and my mother worked in retail before having children. Both my parents, when they first started out in their careers, did TAFE qualifications — a cabinet making course for Dad, and hairdressing for Mum. They always told me that TAFE Queensland was a great choice to help me with my studies,” said Isaac.

“I can absolutely see why — my teacher is super passionate and she's taught me many things. Most importantly, she’s taught me to work out problems, and she’s always been there to help me. If there was ever an answer I was stuck on, she was there to not give it to me, but to teach it to me." 

“I’ve definitely gained the foundational skills I’ll need for my science career. And the facilities at TAFE Queensland are ten out of ten,” Isaac shared.

Isaac went on to explain: “The science laboratory is nice and new and adequately stocked, from interconnected microscopes to beakers to Bunsen burners, it’s all been great,” he offered.

As for Isaac’s future, his plans involve graduating from high school as well as finishing a Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122) at TAFE Queensland, which he has already enrolled in.

“I then hope to find a job using the skills and qualifications I have learnt and eventually go to university (and use the course credits I’ll have received from TAFE Queensland),” Isaac ended.

Undertaking a Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement (MSL20122) will yield a ‘positive’ result for high school students interested in pursuing careers in science.

The Australian Government’s Labour Market Insights website predicts science technician jobs will grow to a 22,300-strong workforce by 2026.