A a one week intensive, competency-based training course designed to equip analysts with the foundational technical skills, GMP knowledge, and confidence required to work independently in regulated laboratory environments.
A a one week intensive, competency-based training course designed to equip analysts with the foundational technical skills, GMP knowledge, and confidence required to work independently in regulated laboratory environments.
The Applied Skills for QC Microbiology programme is a one week intensive, competency-based training course designed to equip new graduate analysts with the foundational technical skills, GMP knowledge, and confidence required to work independently in regulated laboratory environments.
Delivered at CLS Galwayʼs HPRA and FDA GMP-licensed laboratories, the course combines theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on practice in core microbiology techniques covering areas such as environmental monitoring, water testing, serial dilutions, growth promotion and identification and enumeration of colonies.
Day 1
GMP, aseptic techniques, professional behaviours workshop
Day 2
Environmental Monitoring: settle plates, active air sampling, surface & fingertip sampling & personnel monitoring
Day 3
Pipetting, serial dilutions, growth promotion, plate reading, ID & morphology, gram stains
Day 4
Water testing: pour plates, membrane filtration, TOC and conductivity overview. Critical thinking & problem-solving
Day 5
Endotoxin testing overview, 96 well plate pipetting, effective communication workshop
Continuous competency-based assessment throughout the 5-day programme. Successful participants receive certification and professional digital badges.
Core microbiology laboratory techniques
Hands-on competency in aseptic techniques, environmental monitoring, water testing and identification and enumeration of colonies, building confidence to perform routine QC tasks independently.
Practical skills & troubleshooting
Skills in analysing out-of-specification (OOS) results, identifying trends and alert limits, interpreting and documenting data, and root cause investigations.
Practice with GMP
ALCOA+ data integrity, good documentation practice, contemporaneous notebook entries, and correct error correction to support regulatory compliance and reliable data.
Professional and workplace skills
Essential workplace skills to improve audit behaviour, communication, problem-solving and day-to-day performance in a regulated laboratory
Training format
Blended learning approach combining theoretical instruction with extensive hands-on practical application in our GMP licensed laboratories
Theory delivery
Instructor-led presentations with interactive quizzes covering foundational concepts and technical knowledge for each module.
Practical application
Supervised hands-on laboratory sessions where participants apply theoretical knowledge to execute numerous industry micro techniques.
Learning ratio
The course emphasises practical skill development with approximately 20% theory and 80% hands-on practice, ensuring participants gain confidence and competence in real-world QC laboratory operations.
Accommodation
CLS has negotiated preferential rates with nearby Galway hotels. Details provided in course confirmation pack.
Social programme
Networking evening organised during the week. Optional but highly encouraged.
Materials and equipment
All training materials, equipment, consumables, and PPE provided.
Ongoing support
Daily trainer availability for one-on-one coaching. Pathway recommendations given post -training if required
Competency-based, not completion
Participants must demonstrate proficiency across all modules to certify. Rigorous practical assessment with objective acceptance criteria ensures your analysts are truly workplace ready.
Personalised learning experience
Pre-course assessment identifies individual learning styles, pace preferences, and support needs. Training delivery tailored accordingly.
Maximum 6 participants
Small cohorts ensure substantial individualised attention, one-on-one coaching, and extensive handson practice time for each participant.
Expert trainer team
Led by CLS's specialist training division with 20+ years experience in training and over 30 years of laboratory operations.
Premium GMP-licensed facilities
All training delivered in CLS Galwayʼs HPRA and FDA GMPlicensed laboratories, providing an authentic regulatorycompliant learning environment.
Foundational by design
Built specifically for new graduates and analysts with no prior laboratory experience.
