Laboratory Operations covers a variety of job roles and occupations across a broad range of industry sectors.

It is not a specific industry in its own right, but includes a diverse group of technical and scientific employees involved in a variety of science based occupations across the whole of industry. This includes people whose work involves testing or monitoring of materials and processes using scientific methods and/or equipment.

Some common job roles include Sampler / Tester, Laboratory Assistants, Technical Assistants, and Technical Officers. Other interesting careers include, Environmental Field Assistants, Instrument Operators, Calibration Technicians, Analysts and Laboratory Supervisors working in many different industries.

A range of factors has driven the need for vocational education and training in these occupations. First amongst them is the increasing regulation of standards relating to use of materials and equipment. Similarly, testing of product quality is particularly important in the manufacturing industry.