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Two Year 12 students had a taste of what it’s really like to work in a laboratory when they were chosen to participate in a three-day laboratory immersion holiday program at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. 

Kate Sladden and Hayley Lourens from the Duncraig campus are both studying Certificate III in Laboratory Skills and heard about the program through their teacher, Mr Miles Gaby. 

The program was an amazing opportunity. It gave them the opportunity to apply what they have learnt in class in a world class laboratory. They got to know people working in the research industry and the experience will look great on their CV,” said Miles. 

Both young women felt lucky to be one of the few selected students for the program.  

“It was a real privilege. I’m very grateful to be chosen for what was a very valuable experience,” said Kate. 

“I have an interest in science and microbiology and as I’m graduating soon, I wanted to broaden my field of knowledge and experience about the different roles in labs as something I could potentially do when I leave school.” 

It’s clear that the students had an authentic laboratory experience, completing tasks such as preparing human stem cells and hydrogel solutions with the aim of replicating human tissue, analysing specific cells in a blood sample and swabbing bacteria samples and observing the results after they had grown in an incubator. 

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with cancer cells. We learnt how to stain cells to allow for the vital identification of their internal features,” said Hayley (pictured right with Miles Gaby).   

Kate found the experience an inspiration in terms of her future career options. 

“I really loved meeting new people that had already completed their studies and have begun their work as biomechanics, engineers, and medical researchers,” said Kate. 

“It opened me up to a new range of possibilities that I could do after graduating such as being part of the medical field and working alongside other laboratory technicians and researchers.” 

It’s clear that both Kate and Hayley made an impression during their time at Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, too. Community Education Officer, Kate Kleidon commented,  

“Kate and Haley demonstrated competency and an ability to pick up various lab skills quickly. They had a very proactive approach to the immersion program and asked well thought out questions to clarify unfamiliar content. Overall, Kate and Haley’s ability to acquire new lab skills helped them to excel in the immersion program.” 

Miles echoed this positive feedback.

Kate and Hayley showed great initiative in applying for the program and although they study different pathways they are both hard-working students who enjoy hands-on activities and apply themselves to all challenges. Through this program they’ve gained workplace experience which will help them complete the Laboratory Skills certificate and may lead to future employment.” 

The immersion experience is well-timed with both Hayley and Kate contemplating their post-school destinations. 

“It was a good experience and showed me the different pathways to get a job in a laboratory. It has definitely made me think about going into that field,” said Hayley. “Once I graduate, I hope to go to uni and do a Bachelor of Biomedical Science.”  

For Kate, laboratory work is one of many pathways she’s currently contemplating.  

“I’m currently completing a Cert III and IV in Business Studies, Cert III in Laboratory Skills and a Cert III in Radio and Podcasting at North metro TAFE.  These are very diverse qualifications that I have loved doing and have given me a great range of skills and experience,” said Kate.  “When I graduate, I would like to study a degree in business although I am always trying to open myself up to the different possibilities and courses there are to broaden my knowledge and experience. There are so many different career types I have interest in so I’m just going to work hard and see where life takes me!” 

Head of Vocational Education and Training, Nicki Hipgrave congratulated both young women on grasping this fantastic opportunity. 

“Kate and Haley have done so well in looking for opportunities to further explore what using their certificate might look like in the workplace. These opportunities have the power to really shape your future pathways,” said Nicki.  

“The joy of our VET program at St Stephen’s School is that we have talented teachers who are willing to deliver qualifications that give our students the opportunity to explore a variety of industry areas. Well done girls for embracing opportunity and thank you, Miles, for delivering such a valuable qualification.”