The only course of its kind in Australia.
Photonics Technologist
Training Course
A 10-day training course co-developed by industry and IPAS (Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing). Combining expert-led theory, hands-on lab sessions and real industry visits to give manufacturing professionals practical photonics skills, fast.
WHO IS THIS FOR
For employersNeed to upskill your team in photonics? The PTTC reduces internal training time, accelerates onboarding and delivers job-ready skills, without building a training program from scratch. | For individualsLooking to step into Australia's photonics industry? No photonics background required. Just a technical mindset and a willingness to learn. |
Applicants should have at least one year of hands-on experience in any manufacturing environment and literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Year 12 (ACSF Level 3).
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
Comprehensive photonics knowledgeFrom the nature of light through to lasers, optical fibre and detectors. A grounded understanding of how photonics systems work and why. | Hands-on technical proficiencyEvery unit includes lab time. You'll work with real instruments, run practicals and build confidence with the tools used in industry. | Manufacturing & CAD competenceApply photonics manufacturing processes, metrology and optical design. Skills that directly translate to production environments. | Work Health & Safety + best practiceLearn and apply Work Health and Safety procedures for optical and laser environments, woven through every unit. |
Immediate workplace application
In-demand skills mapped directly to photonics manufacturing roles. You'll be applying what you learn from day one back on the floor.
COURSE STRUCTURE
A 10-day course combining theory, hands-on lab sessions and real industry visits to give manufacturing professionals practical photonics skills, fast.
Open Source Learning (Online)
00 Introduction to PhotonicsA self-paced online resource covering core vocabulary and principles of photonics. Topics include the nature of light, wave and particle properties, optical components and an introduction to lasers and laser safety. Recommended to complete before day one but available to revisit throughout the course. |
Core Vocabulary
Light Principles
Self-paced
|
Core Curriculum (In-person)
01 Science of Optics
Light propagation, wave theory, interference, diffraction and optical phenomena.02 Applied Optics
Lens systems, mirrors, apertures, beam shaping and optical instrument design.03 Applied Electrical Principles
Power supplies, signal detection circuitry and electronics in photonics devices.04 Laser Technology
Laser types, resonator design, beam characterisation and laser safety.05 Optical Fibre
Fibre types, connectorisation, splicing, loss measurement and sensing applications.06 Optical Detectors
Photodetector types, spectral response, noise sources and signal processing.07 Manufacturing, Metrology & Testing
Dimensional measurement, interferometry, quality control and optical testing.08 Optical Design & Fabrication
Optical system CAD, design tolerancing, surface fabrication and assembly.09 Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Fault isolation, optical alignment, equipment maintenance and calibration.10 Photonics in Action
Guided visits to three Adelaide photonics companies to see industry first-hand.DELIVERY & DETAILS
FORMAT Online + 10 days in-person
TIME One day per unit
DELIVERY Two blocks | Unit 1–5, Feb | Unit 6–10, July
INVESTMENT $5,000 per participant |
NEXT INTAKE FEBRUARY 2027
Ready to get started?
Register your interest and we'll be in touch with enrolment details.
WHAT STUDENTS & ORGANISATIONS ARE SAYING
"I came in knowing nothing about photonics. By the end I was already applying it on the floor. The lab sessions made all the difference." James M. Manufacturing Technician | "We sent three team members through the course. All three came back with skills we couldn't have developed in-house." Sarah R. Operations Manager, Adelaide | "The industry visits on the last day were a highlight. Seeing the tech in a real production environment really tied everything together." Alex T. Lab Technician |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the course accredited?
The PTTC is a non-accredited short course. It is industry-recognised and designed to deliver practical, job-ready skills rather than a formal qualification.
Do I need a photonics background to enrol?
No photonics background is required. The course is designed for technicians from any manufacturing environment who want to build photonics skills from the ground up.
What experience do I need?
Applicants should have at least one year of experience in any manufacturing environment and literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to Year 12 (ACSF Level 3).
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered in-person at the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), Adelaide University, Adelaide CBD over 10 days across two blocks. Units 1 to 5 in February and Units 6 to 10 in July. An optional online introduction is available to complete beforehand at your own pace.
How much does it cost?
$5,000 per participant. Contact us to discuss group bookings for organisations sending multiple staff.
When is the next intake?
The next intake begins February 2027. Places are limited. Register your interest early to secure a spot.
What happens after I register my interest?
We'll be in touch with full enrolment details, including payment options and what to expect before day one.APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR FEBRUARY 2027
The next intake is filling.
Secure your place or your team's place today.