At SLS Select Education, we are proud to support the incredible technicians who keep school science departments running smoothly. Today, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on Chris, a technician at Ryde Academy, Isle of Wight, who brings over 60 years of experience to the lab bench.
Interview with Chris:
Q: You’ve been a technician for six decades—what’s one of the most memorable things that’s happened in that time?
Chris: I’ve been properly blown up three times! [laughs]
Q: What’s your favourite practical to set up?
Chris: A Level Physics – Measuring Gravity. I love that kind of thing.
Q: Do you have any advice for students considering a career in science support?
Chris: Don’t do it! [laughs] Being serious students interested in this type of job should try and find an apprenticeship such as applied science as this will give you 18 months of proven work experience and show your work ethic. This will earn you a qualification and also gain you experience, and you’ll be guaranteed the job.
Q: What do you love most about being a technician?
Chris: I love the smell of chemistry! You can’t beat the chemical store... [laughs] I lost my sense of smell when I got blown up the first time!
Thank you to Chris for his outstanding service to science education—and for making us all laugh while doing it. Technicians like Chris are the backbone of practical science in schools, and we’re proud to celebrate his contribution.
Read Chris’ story in full below.