My name is Diego Rodriguez. I am originally from Colombia, where I worked as an Environmental and Water Resources Engineer. When I moved to Australia, I worked in many different jobs – anything I could find – to rebuild my life and support myself while adapting to a new country. Even though I was grateful for every opportunity, I always hoped to return to a technical career connected to science, laboratories, and environmental work.
After several years working across different industries, Wagners gave me the chance to reconnect with my professional background. They hired me as a Laboratory Technician and believed in my potential, even though I had been away from the field for some time. My supervisors, Justin and Jamie, supported me from the beginning and encouraged my development. To help me grow within the company, Wagners enrolled me in the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques with LTT. That moment marked the beginning of my return to a technical career in Australia.
LTT has a strong reputation for industry-focused training, and the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques was exactly what I needed to validate my skills in Australia and strengthen my role within a NATA-accredited laboratory. The qualification aligned perfectly with my responsibilities at Wagners and my long-term career goals.
My experience with LTT was very positive. The course was delivered online, but the trainers were clear, supportive, and always available to guide us through the content. My tutor, Dean, was especially helpful – patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my progress. The structure made it easy to balance study with full-time work, and the theoretical components connected directly with the procedures and equipment I use every day at Wagners. The course helped me understand the reasoning behind the methods, the quality systems, and the documentation requirements that are essential in a NATA-accredited environment. The flexibility and support were the most valuable aspects for me.
While completing the qualification, I secured a role as a Laboratory Technician at Wagners Cement in Pinkenba, working in a NATA-accredited laboratory. The knowledge I gained at LTT – especially around laboratory procedures, safety, documentation, and quality systems – helped me perform confidently and effectively from the beginning. The ongoing support from Justin and Jamie at Wagners has also played a key role in my development. Completing the course strengthened my technical profile and opened the door to a stable and meaningful career in Australia
My next steps are to continue developing in the construction materials and laboratory testing field, aiming for senior technical roles and further specialisation. My advice to future students is to stay consistent, ask questions, and make the most of the support offered by the trainers. The qualification gives you the foundation you need to enter the industry with confidence.
Overall, my experience was very positive. If anything, offering optional extra practice sessions for students who want more hands-on reinforcement would be a great addition.
I’m grateful to LTT, to my tutor Dean, and to my supervisors Jamie and Justin at Wagners for giving me the opportunity to return to a technical career in Australia. The course played an important role in my professional journey and helped me rebuild my path in this country.