This article describes the competency-based approach to e-learning education that utilizes remote access to the laboratory equipment. The main focus of the paper is the structure and design of the e-learning system used in the Southern Federal University (Russia). The article discusses the related pedagogical strategies and presents system's features in the context of the education for skilled workers. This approach uses access to the scientific and technology laboratory equipment either for provisioning of the individualized educational programs or to enable the students who are unable to attend a conventional laboratory for a variety of reasons, such as disability, and part-time study to conduct the experimental work. It will be shown that the experimental work involving the modern scientific equipment is an important aspect of the learning process in the areas of material science and nanotechnology. The learning strategy is the reverse of that used in the traditional approach. The authors suggest to start with the introduction to the practical applications of science and technology relevant to the current job market, and study the general laws and theoretical principles afterwards, to deepen understanding and achieve the educational goals.