Southbank course to lift biotechnology skills

Queensland’s rapidly growing biotechnology industry will receive a boost from targeted training by Southbank Institute of Technology and subsidised cadetships to help overcome skills shortages.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Institute had developed a new graduate qualification aimed at upgrading the technical skills of scientists and laboratory assistants to meet the needs of the industry.

“The high-level qualification, called the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Applied Biotechnology, has been developed in response to an industry-identified skills shortage in the lucrative pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries,” Mr Welford said.

“My department is also funding 20 subsidised cadetships in the new qualification to help overcome this skill shortage.

“The Graduate Certificate will go a long way in delivering a supply of much needed scientists with advanced technical skills to meet the needs of these emerging industries.”

Mr Welford said it would also advance professional development of the whole industry and help address the education and training shortfall in regulatory compliance.

“A close partnership between the Southbank Institute of Technology and industry specialists helped develop the new qualification to meet current and future industry needs,” Mr Welford said.

The inaugural program offers up to 30 places to those seeking a rewarding career in biotechnology including up to 20 funded cadetships.

Students will obtain the qualification by undertaking intensive study in Southbank Institute’s laboratories followed by vocational placement.

On graduation, students will be proficient in regulatory compliance, quality assurance, applied analytical chemistry, good laboratory and manufacturing practice. They will also enjoy a competitive edge in the job market.

The six-month course, which begins in March 2008, is an initiative of the Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals Industry Skills Formation Strategy, a component of the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan to develop a skilled workforce in the pharmaceuticals industries.

For more information on the Vocational Graduate Certificate in Applied Biotechnology or cadetship program contact 13 72 48 or visit www.southbank.edu.au

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985