School Technician

School technicians play a vital role in the provision of high-quality Science, ICT, Food & Art teaching in schools, from looking after laboratory equipment to helping pupils achieve their potential with one-to-one support.

What’s involved

Working conditions are extremely varied, with some working on their own (usually in smaller schools) and others working as part of a team. School technicians take on a wide range of tasks at work, which usually include some of the following:

• maintaining equipment
• constructing and modifying apparatus
• setting up experiments and projects
• taking an active part in laboratory, kitchen or classroom demonstrations
• ordering resources and keeping budgets
• helping in practical classes
• giving technical help to pupils and students
• always meeting current health and safety standards

Entry requirements

It is up to schools and local authorities to decide what qualifications and experience applicants need to have, so it is important to check locally. Employers will often expect you to have at least GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent qualifications in English, maths and at least one science subject. It is becoming increasingly common for technicians to have higher qualifications, so for some jobs you may need A levels or the equivalent in science, or a BTEC HNC/HND, foundation or degree in a science or technology subject.

It will be useful if you have experience of scientific techniques in a technical setting.

The following qualifications are available for those not yet employed in the role:

• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
• Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools