A new Lab Skills course - run jointly through Forth Valley College (FVC) and Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) - could start a chain reaction that will result in a new intake of budding scientists to enter the industry.
FVC’s Engineering and Science Department – in partnership with the Life Sciences department at GCC, has secured funding from the Scottish Funding Council’s National Transition Training Fund, to support the 18 week Preparing for Lab Technician Work course which starts on Monday 17 January 2022 at FVC, and on Monday 24 January at GCC.
Places are still available at both colleges for the bespoke course which will see students complete a much sought after NPA qualification and provide them with valuable scientific knowledge, practical skills and current Good Laboratory Practice and industry standard training that will allow them to work safely in laboratory conditions.
Lindsay Brown, Curriculum Manager in the Department of Engineering and Science, said: “We can’t wait to hear from potential students who feel they might want to switch careers into the scientific field. Maybe they have lost their jobs due to Covid or have seen how important and rewarding life science is over the past couple of years and would like a route in to the industry. We already have a few employers interested in providing support, Charles River being our main contact that are very keen to work with Forth Valley College on this course and provide invaluable insight into laboratory working with the hope of a potential interview upon graduation. I am also working with The Scottish Life Science Association to potentially highlight this course to other respective employers. It really is a great new course, which offers excellent ground level opportunities to move into a career as a scientist.”
Iain Love, Director, Chromatographic Bioanalysis & Residues at Charles River, said: “The incredible people working in the life science industries are passionate about their role in improving the quality of people’s lives. At Charles River we are delighted to support the development of the National Progression Award in Preparing for Lab Technician Work. We recognize this course as a great opportunity for talented individuals to learn the skills necessary to enter the life sciences sector and contribute to improving the health and well-being of many across the globe.”
Anyone wishing to find out more about the course or to apply should visit Preparation for Laboratory Technician Work | Forth Valley College