Most consumer products are created in a laboratory or industrial setting where the quality of the raw materials is monitored. Chemical laboratory technicians work in a supporting role using testing methodologies to assure quality with chemical manufacturers, cannabis and food ingredient companies, energy producers and the emerging green product sector. One of the few two-year science-based diploma programs at Ontario colleges, the Chemical Laboratory Technician program will provide you with foundational knowledge in many different disciplines to open the door to the career of your dreams.
Students spend almost half of their course time in the laboratories, learning to operate state-of-the-art analytical instruments such as gas chromatographs, atomic absorption spectrometers and fluorometers, while building core wet chemistry skills. Once you have successfully completed the first year, or the entire two-year diploma, there is also the opportunity to specialize towards a specific industry by completing the remaining coursework for some of our three-year advanced diplomas.
This program will provide you with the entry-level qualifications needed to obtain a chemical and/or biological laboratory technician position in a broad range of industries including:
- Cosmetic
- Cannabis
- Environmental
- Food production
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical manufacture
- Government
You will learn how to:
- Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
- Set up and conduct experiments
- Compile records and interpret experimental or analytical results
- Develop and conduct sampling
- Perform data analysis, including laboratory sample flow and data integrity
- Analyze quality improvement tools
Industries of employment
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Cannabis industry
- Chemical manufacturing
- Environmental sector
- Federal and provincial governments
- Food production companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Perform routine tasks and assigned procedures to support the purification, analysis and synthesis of chemical compounds and samples.
- Use prescribed laboratory procedures to conduct basic manual and instrumental quantitative analysis and report results.
- Operate and troubleshoot chemical analysis instruments and equipment to assure accurate results.
- Perform quality assurance and quality control procedures, including basic statistical analyses, in accordance with international and industry standards and government regulations.
- Complete chemical laboratory tasks and projects using computer and information technologies.
- Implement health and safety practices to ensure a safe laboratory environment for oneself and others.
- Contribute to the efficient and ethical use and promotion of chemical laboratory resources through established sustainability* practices.
- Interpret and produce technical documents to communicate chemical laboratory data and results.
- Collaborate with others to contribute to effective working relationships and teamwork in chemical laboratory environments.
- Develop strategies for ongoing professional development to enhance competence as a chemical laboratory technician.
Admission Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
AND - Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 12 mathematics (C, M or U)
RECOMMENDED
- Grade 11 or 12 chemistry and biology
Career Options
WHAT YOU COULD BE:
- Chemical laboratory technician
- Instrumentation technician
- Quality assurance technician
- Sample entry technician
- Sample preparation technician
- Biological laboratory technician
WHERE YOU COULD WORK:
- Cosmetic manufacturers
- Cannabis industry
- Chemical production manufacturers
- Energy generation and distribution
- Food and beverage production companies
- Environmental sector companies
- Sales and technical support
- Pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Government and regulatory bodies
- More Info;https://durhamcollege.ca/programs/chemical-laboratory-technician#tabTransfer