A migrant from Thailand has landed her dream job in the food technology industry less than two years after arriving in Australia and gaining a qualification through TAFE NSW.

Chayapa Krailasnarurmit migrated to Australia from Thailand in 2022 to pursue her dream of working in science.

Ms Krailasnarurmit studied a Certificate IV and a Diploma in Laboratory Technology (Food) at TAFE NSW in Ultimo, a move which gave her the practical skills and qualifications she needed to launch her career in her new home.

Ms Krailasnarurmit has been headhunted into a position with a major pharmaceutical company in Sydney, working in quality control to test supplemental products and ensure they meet compliance standards.

Her employment comes at a time when the medical technician industry is forecast to expand by more than 7,000 jobs by 2026.

“I believe in the importance of science, and I wanted to work in a role where I can contribute to the health of others and ensure the quality of products people consume every day,” Ms Krailasnarurmit said.

“I am now working in quality control where I’m involved in testing supplemental products to ensure they are compliant with quality standards.

“I do routine inspections of raw materials, in-process, and finished product samples by testing them using laboratory equipment and documenting and recording quality control activities and test results.

“I’m enjoying my role and it’s been an exciting transition into the pharmaceutical industry, and every day presents new challenges and learning opportunities. It has been a whole new experience for me.”

Ms Krailasnarurmit said studying at TAFE NSW gave her the practical skills she needed to launch her new career.

“I came to Australia to explore new opportunities. Australia's education system and multicultural environment were some of the factors in my decision to come here,” Ms Krailasnarurmit said.

“TAFE NSW taught me science and lab techniques through hands-on training. This knowledge prepared me well for real-world scenarios.

“AT TAFE NSW, students get access to top training facilities, and the courses are taught by teachers who have experience in the industry and provide us with insights and the necessary skills that are directly applicable to the workplace.”

TAFE NSW Laboratory and Life Sciences teacher, Noel Del Rosario, said the medical technician industry needs more workers.

"TAFE NSW’s Diploma Laboratory Technology (Food) provides students with the skills they need to start their career and set them up for success,” Mr Del Rosario said.

“Our graduates are helping meet the need for workers in this industry, and to see Chayapa be headhunted for a job is recognition of her ability and highlights the value of a TAFE NSW education in providing students with the practical skills they need to get the job they want.”