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Education technician

Alternative titles for this job include

Education technicians support science, art, IT and design and technology teachers by preparing equipment and materials for practical lessons.

Average salary (a year)

£23,000 Starter

to

£32,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 42 term time

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course to improve your chances of finding a trainee technician position. 

Courses include:

  • chemistry, biology or physics
  • applied science
  • creative media production
  • computer science
  • T Level in Science

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example with a university, college or the NHS. 

These include:

  • Education Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Laboratory Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Audiovisual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships take around 2 years to complete and combine on-the-job training with study.

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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

If you're already working as a trainee or assistant technician, your employer may give you the opportunity to do training in:

  • laboratory and technical activities (education science)
  • laboratory technical skills
  • health and safety

Training may also include Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), if you work with chemicals.

Direct Application

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

Employers will expect you to have GCSEs 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent qualifications, in English, maths and usually at least one science subject.

More Information

Career tips

Education technicians are often employed term-time only. A working week can vary from a few hours up to full time.

Advertised pay rates may be listed as full-time equivalent (FTE). Actual pay will depend on the number of hours worked.

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things
  • analytical thinking skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • 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
  • maths skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an education technician, you could:

  • speak with tutors about the resources needed for practical lessons
  • set up and check equipment for lessons and demonstrations
  • make sure rooms and experiments meet health and safety rules
  • support teachers and students during lessons
  • dispose of hazardous materials in line with safety standards
  • manage equipment stores and stock levels
  • service and maintain equipment and teaching aids
  • help to set up equipment and demonstrations for open days, science clubs and conferences

Working environment

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

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior education technician, laboratory researcher or audio visual technician.

You could also train to be a secondary school teacher, or tutor in further and higher education.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Lab Technician / Inspection Apprentice

  • Wage: £17,902.56 a year Annually
  • Location: 191 Barkby Road, Leicester

Construction Materials Technician Apprentice (Level 3) - Balfour Beatty

  • Wage: £16,640 to £26,436.80 a year Annually
  • Location: Freeport, Redcar
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Applied Science

  • Provider: KINGS ACADEMY BINFIELD
  • Start date: 01 September 2026
  • Location: Bracknell

Applied Science

  • Provider: PONTELAND HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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