How did you become a Science Technician?
From a young age I was always messing around with my grandfather’s toolbox, making and trying to fix things and getting told off as a result. There was no surprise to anyone that at secondary school my best subjects were Maths, Physics and Chemistry and while studying these subjects I was fascinated with all the equipment in the school's prep room. So, after completing my ‘O’ levels (today's GCSE/A level equivalents) at the age of 17, I wanted to get a job as a technician and so I did. I then followed a day release programme where I studied while working, similar to today’s apprenticeship schemes.
Can you describe an average day as a Science Technician?
One of the reasons I love this job is because every day is so different, a typical day will start with putting out the morning’s practical lessons, then looking at the plan for the next few days' / weeks' lessons and start preparing those. While doing this, you will need to clear the morning's or that session's lessons, tidy up the labs and put out the next lessons and repeat for the whole day. Wash glassware, put chemicals and equipment away and monitor stock levels as necessary. You may need to support in class or carry out demonstrations, advise staff on technical issues or be called to resolve teething problems often including IT issues ("my IWB interactive white board pen doesn’t work" or "my computer is frozen").
For the preparation of the practical lessons, you may need to make solutions, construct apparatus, and make local purchases or place orders for non-stock items.
What do you love about your job?
As mentioned above, what I love about the job is that each day is so different with so many different encounters and requests. I love science and technology and enjoy the challenges it brings, how we implement new technology and how we can make education better by providing new expertise to young minds. One of the roles I enjoy is attending conferences/exhibitions and liaising with suppliers so I can purchase the right equipment to make teaching fun and interesting.
What are some of the challenges?
With the reduced numbers of technician staff trying to provide a professional service, as most technicians strive to, can be difficult. When you have to clear up a lesson and set up others in a 15 minute break or over lunch, time is very demanding. The luck of resources and distribution of these is also perplexing. Facilities are often not ideal with technician staff having to work in areas without proper ventilation or sufficient space or suitable chemical and equipment stores. Support and recognition from senior management is often poor and opportunities for training or further development limited.
What does the future hold for Science Technicians in the UK?
We are seeing a reduction in technician numbers and hours, with most now as term-time only with unjustifiably low pay, so the future is a little bleak in my opinion. Senior leaders have to recognise the important role that technicians play in supporting science teachers when recruitment and retention of teachers is at its low. Technician support allows teachers more time to plan and deliver effective and engaging lessons.
What advice would you give to anybody considering a career as a Science Technician?
I have been a technician for over 40 years and still enjoy it and never considered doing anything else. It is a rewarding and enjoyable job and I will encourage anyone to go for it. Regardless if you are a graduate or just left school there are opportunities and with a little hard work and initiative you will succeed. There are apprentice opportunities that can lead to professional registration which recognises your knowledge and on-the-job experience alongside your qualifications.
How can Labexpert UK help Science Technicians in their day-to-day roles?
The Labexpert UK Chemical & Equipment Stock control software supports technicians in maintaining accurate stock levels of resources and complying with all current guidance. Technician staff are able to know how much they have, where it is and if anything has gone missing. It also helps in the accountability of resources and chemicals and makes day-to-day job really easy as it not only provides stock information but also data, and hazard information including links to CLEAPSS Hazcards©.
This is what technicians are saying “We’ve been over to Middle School today helping the tech over there load her chemical stock onto the system and she’s finding it very easy. The real benefit in it is like yesterday when it only took 2 hours to do the stock check that would have taken me 2 days before. Great system and well done to you for creating it.”
Chris Pambou RSci, MIScT
Chief Science Technician, City and Islington Sixth Form College
Developer of the Labexpert UK software / www.labexpert.co.uk / chris@labexpert.co.uk