ALS Partnership Continues to Empower Future Scientists Through Real-World Science

For over 15 years, TAFE Queensland has proudly partnered with ALS Environmental, creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore the world of science beyond the classroom.

The partnership sees ALS Environmental welcome students and teachers each year into its Stafford laboratory for guided tours that bring theory to life.

In 2024, the program evolved to include a self-booking system, giving students and educators greater flexibility to choose from multiple tour dates across the year, putting more control in the hands of learners.

This enduring relationship gives Brisbane-based students in the Certificate III in Laboratory Skills (MSL30122) and Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques (MSL40122) direct exposure to real-world laboratory environments.

During their visit, students gain hands-on insights into wide-ranging techniques and technology, with highlights including:

Observing Legionella pneumophila under magnification in the Microbiology laboratory with scientists Liz and Nibi.
Learning about semi-volatile organic compound analysis via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) with Tim in the Instrument Lab.
Discovering polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis techniques using Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS-MS).
Exploring algae identification and quantification in the Phycology laboratory with Hannah.

Beyond the tours, ALS State Manager Phillip Kennedy has also visited TAFE Brisbane to speak with the Certificate III and IV students, offering valuable insights into career pathways, industry expectations, and employment opportunities within the environmental testing field.

His time and expertise help students visualise their future and understand the real-world applications of their studies.

ALS Environmental is also a frequent presence at TAFE Queensland Brisbane’s industry engagement days and offers students casual and permanent job opportunities throughout the year.

These events provide a direct pipeline from training to employment - an outcome demonstrating this partnership's strength and impact.

One of the key figures behind the success of this collaboration is Martina Louw, Senior Chemist at ALS Environmental and a former TAFE Queensland educator.

Martina works closely with TAFE Queensland chemistry teacher Tal Taylor to shape the student tour experience and align learning with current industry practice.

Her contributions go even further - Martina has facilitated the donation of surplus lab equipment and disposables to TAFE Queensland, for use in classes, with Tal creatively repurposing some of the tubes into plant tissue culture growing flasks.

Students can use these tubes to cultivate Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) and White Mustard (Sinapis alba), supporting practical learning in new and innovative ways.

This partnership is a powerful example of how working together between industry and education benefits everyone, especially students, by building confidence, boosting job-readiness, and connecting them with Queensland’s thriving scientific community.