The Veterinary and Applied Science Centre (VASC) located at the Gilles Plains Campus is the focal point for vocational training for the applied sciences, biotechnology, veterinary nursing and animal industries sectors in South Australia.

Lecturing staff include scientists and veterinarians whose qualifications and current industry experience support the technical value and relevance of the material in all courses. To complement the activities of the staff and to support the currency of delivery, the program incorporates significant input from industry experts and specialists.

A $15 million VASC redevelopment project at TAFE SA’s Gilles Plains Campus was completed in February 2007 and offers state of the art facilities for the support of biotechnology, veterinary and applied science training. The new facility will also enable considerable expansion of training in the skills required to support and underpin Australia’s growing reputation in biotechnology. This accredited training for laboratory and research technicians will incorporate leading edge knowledge and skills in molecular biology, bioinformatics and biotechnology research techniques.

All laboratories are industry standard Physical Containment Level 2 (PC2), and the facility also incorporates a PC Level 3 laboratory to support future training and development of techniques in the biotechnology and biosecurity areas. The redevelopment is supported with a major capital investment into vital research equipment and VASC will collaborate with major field researchers to ensure students receive the most up to date, relevant education and training.

Background

VASC first began to deliver training for laboratory technicians in 1990. The incorporation of molecular biology training into the animal technology program in 2001 led to a $1.2 million Commonwealth innovation grant, which enabled the development of two industry standard biotechnology laboratories, purchase of equipment and development of programs to expand delivery of training in these areas. Advanced molecular biology short courses focusing on skills acquisition were developed and targeted at graduates already working in the industry and PhD students aiming to expand or refine their technical skills in this area.

This grant also enabled TAFE SA to develop a joint learning centre within the Women's and Children's Hospital Division of Laboratory Medicine. This centre is fully equipped by TAFE SA with state of the art equipment. It is utilised by TAFE SA to train medical laboratory technicians and by the hospital to deliver in-house training to their staff. VASC is now the only provider in South Australia for the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Specialising in Pathology Testing), which articulates into the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine at the University of South Australia.

Current climate

South Australia’s Strategic Plan for vocational education and training includes an innovation strategy focusing on achieving innovative skill outcomes in areas of future strategic importance to the state.

Key areas identified for future training needs include biotechnology industries, which will build on the state's capacity in all areas of agricultural bioscience, human and animal health, medical and veterinary devices, genomic and proteomic studies and environmental applications.

Historically, South Australia's science and technology capabilities have provided a platform for the state to be a market leader in innovation. Bio Innovation SA’s mission is to accelerate the development of South Australia's bioscience industry, enabling the creation of 50 new bioscience companies and 2,500 new jobs by 2010. As of January 2006 the number of local biotechnology companies had doubled since Bio Innovation SA's establishment. There are now more than 70 biotechnology companies in SA, employing about 1,000 people and generating more than $175 million in revenue. The biotechnology sector contributes 14% of the state's total business research and development expenditure.

The graduates from South Australia's three universities in relevant areas of science and biotechnology provide a strong supply of innovative scientists and researchers of the highest international calibre. These graduates often go on to high level roles in commercialisation, intellectual property, marketing and management.

Therefore, there is potential for huge growth in demand for skilled technicians to support not only the research in biotechnology laboratories, but also in the area of commercialisation. This growth could lead to a situation where demand for technicians with the relevant biotechnology expertise far outweighs the supply of skilled personnel in South Australia.

In 2007 VASC begins delivery of the Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Specialising in Biotechnology) and undertakes to develop and deliver general and customised short courses for industry, incorporating:

• good laboratory practise
• low level bioinformatics
• molecular biology techniques such as:
  • PCR, including real-time/quantitative PCR
  • gel electrophoresis – agarose and polyacrylamide
  • site-directed mutagenesis
• topical issues such as genetically manipulated organisms and stem cell technologies.

Staff of the laboratory operations team are committed to developing customised courses of a very high standard with regular feedback from industry to meet their training requirements.

Future directions

The laboratory operations team is working to identify target markets for basic and advanced biotechnology training. As new collaborations with industry are established and existing collaborations are strengthened, additional training opportunities exist for VASC in areas such as:

• microarray technology
• proteomics
• transgenics
• high level bioinformatics
• commercialisation and intellectual property.

With the anticipated opening of the Bioscience Incubator at Thebarton in 2008, enormous opportunities exist for TAFE SA to offer biotechnology training and to supply highly skilled technical graduates for new and existing bioscience companies.

Through strengthening links with higher education, research organisations, CRCs and biotechnology companies, TAFE SA can develop, support and deliver technical skills training in biotechnology to provide pathways for students and facilitate information and dissemination of research outcomes throughout urban and regional South Australia.