Proficiency testing schemes for polytechnic students: an educational project in The Netherlands

In the August 1999 issue of Accreditation and Quality Assurance reference w as made to proficiency testing schemes organised for students at polytechni cs in The Netherlands. The present paper describes in more detail this educ ational project which aims at increasing students' awareness of quality ass urance and quality control (QA/QC) at polytechnics. The project has to be s een in relation to other regular activities to educate and train students a nd to prepare them for working in an analytical laboratory. This combined e ffort should result in well-educated and well-trained students with the rig ht attitude to analytical work and to QA/QC. The project was organised unde r the auspices of the Working Group "Quality Assurance in Laboratory Educat ion" (KILO).