Education technician

You can do a college course to improve your chances of finding work. The exact course you take will depend on which subject area you want to work in as a technician. Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
• Level 3 Diploma in ICT
• Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design
• Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Chemistry

Some education technicians will get a foundation degree or higher national diploma in their specialist area.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You may be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in a specialist role, like a lab technician or IT solution technician.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly for jobs if you've got the right skills and experience.

Employers will expect you to have GCSEs (A* to C), A levels or equivalent qualifications in English, maths and usually at least one science subject.

It's becoming more common for technicians to have a relevant higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree, especially for those who work in higher education.

Career tips

It may be useful if you have some experience of working in a scientific or technical setting like a lab.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Association for Science Education or Higher Education and Technician's Educational Development for professional development and training opportunities.

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

• delivering, setting up and checking equipment
• making sure rooms and resources meet health and safety rules
• supporting teachers and students during lessons
• putting away equipment after lessons
• managing equipment, supplies and budgets
• repairing, maintaining and modifying equipment and teaching aids

You could work at a college, at a school or at a university.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.