Bridging the automation skills gap for laboratory medicine students pre-placement with WIL-integrated online modules, and flexible education uplift to support professional recognition of diagnostic pathology workforce

Graduates in Laboratory Medicine often lack confidence and hands-on experience with laboratory automation—essential in modern diagnostics (1). Concurrently, pathology services face workforce shortages due to limited access to ongoing education and staff training (2). This project tackled both challenges by embedding automation into the Flinders Laboratory Medicine program; and providing flexible education uplift for laboratory scientists. We developed online, self-paced automation modules combined with hands-on competency training using the Mindray-BC-780 haematology analyser (Abacus dx). These modules were completed before students began placements. Additionally, a non-award haematology course was created to support professional accreditation applications for pathology staff. Students reported increased confidence and placement readiness, while supervisors noted quicker onboarding and improved skills. In 2024, fifteen pathology employees completed the haematology course, enhancing their career progression and workforce capacity. This integrated approach demonstrates how work-integrated learning can address both educational and workforce gaps through academic-industry collaboration, preparing students for laboratory placement and supporting professional development for existing staff.