How to become an education technician
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
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:
- A levels in your chosen subject area
- Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
- Level 3 Diploma in ICT
- Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
You could also take courses like:
- Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
Some education technicians have a foundation degree or higher national diploma in their specialist area.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 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
Apprenticeship
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
Direct Application
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.
More Information
Career tips
For science roles it may be useful if you have some experience of working in a scientific or technical setting like a lab.
Some schools offer fixed-term technician roles to graduates interested in getting experience of working in the classroom, before going on to teacher training.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join The Association for Science Education or Higher Education and Technician Educational Development for professional development and training opportunities.