Career Structures and Pathways for the Scientific Workforce in Medical Pathology Laboratories
HCA was commissioned by the Department of Health and Ageing to undertake the Career Structures and Pathways for the Scientific Workforce in Medical Pathology Laboratories project. The objective of this project was to broadly provide an understanding of workforce requirements and the adequacy of current supply strategies, but specifically to investigate options to promote workforce retention through career pathways development for the scientific workforce in medical pathology laboratories. The medical pathology laboratory scientific workforce was defined as including senior scientists, medical laboratory scientists, medical laboratory technicians and laboratory assistants although individuals within each workforce grouping may hold job titles that vary somewhat from these generic occupational titles.
The method proposed for this project was implemented fairly close to intentions, both in terms of consultancy actions and the timing of those actions, although some flexibility was allowed. In terms of the actual activities undertaken, broadly the approach included:
• analysis of secondary data;
• search for and review of appropriate literature (both from Australia and overseas);
• extensive consultation in a variety of forums;
• gathering and analysing a sample of existing relevant industrial arrangements;
• specific study of a number of laboratory / employer cases; and
• collection and analysis of a number of job descriptions.
The project produced two major reports:
• an Information Paper including an extensive literature review of international career frameworks used to inform the consultations processes and elements were discussed during these consultations; and
• a Discussion Paper which aimed to present the findings of data collection and analysis processes together with a concluding discussion around implications for a career framework for the scientific workforce in medical pathology laboratories.
These reports can be downloaded from the Department of Health & Ageing’s website at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/qupp-scientific+workforce
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