Career development for technicians in higher education

Technicians are the unsung heroes of higher education, working behind the scenes to ensure that learning environments are operational, that equipment is maintained and that students and academics can work in a safe, well-supported setting. The role is vital to the day-to-day functioning of universities but is often under-appreciated.

This position within the university structure comes with challenges but also opportunities, especially through initiatives such as the Technician Commitment, which aims to ensure visibility and career progression for technicians in higher education, and the UK Institute of Technical Skills and Strategy (UKITSS). For technicians, the opportunities that are being created and supported have only just begun. The Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership, knowledge exchange initiatives and physics apprenticeship schemes are among many options for technical staff today.

Take charge of your career as a technician

The Technician Commitment, launched in 2017, represents a collective effort to change the perception of technicians within academia and to emphasise the critical contributions they make. More than 100 UK institutions have signed up for the commitment, including universities and research centres, signalling a shift in how technical work is perceived. It is not just a UK collective but a global one, with signatories in Australia and the US.

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Technicians must make the most of these opportunities to pursue advancement hand in hand with the institutions they work for. One of the core pillars of the Technician Commitment is career development. While many institutions now offer more structured pathways, technicians must take charge of their own growth. Pursuing additional certifications, attending workshops and staying up to date with the latest technologies will not only increase your value within your institution but also give you the confidence to seek new opportunities. UKITSS, for instance, offers training resources that can help bridge skill gaps and prepare technicians for future demands.

Technicians often work in silos, within either departments or specific areas of expertise, which can lead to feelings of isolation. Engaging with wider technical communities – both in your institution and through national organisations such as UKITSS – can provide valuable networking opportunities, knowledge exchange and mentorship. In many cases, connecting with peers can lead to collaborative solutions to shared challenges and can be a source of encouragement and support.

Another issue for technicians has historically been the lack of visibility within institutions, although this is beginning to change. Whether through presenting at conferences, collaborating on research projects or simply communicating more frequently with academic and administrative colleagues, technicians must take an active role in promoting their contributions.

Find a platform for collaboration and development

UKITSS plays a critical role in elevating the profession of technicians within UK universities. It is dedicated to advancing technical careers, offering resources, training and community engagement to its members.

After becoming a council member of the inaugural UKITSS technical council, I have had opportunities to speak to high-level bodies and governments while also having a voice on such important issues as the Research Excellence Framework 2029. UKITSS offers workshops, training sessions and certification programmes, and through these opportunities provides technicians with pathways to broaden their skills.

UKITSS also offers a wealth of knowledge and best practices, from laboratory set-up and equipment maintenance to health and safety regulations. By engaging with UKITSS, technicians can learn from the experiences of others and avoid potential pitfalls in their own work. Furthermore, by contributing their expertise to UKITSS, technicians can help build a stronger collective knowledge base, benefiting the entire community.

Key challenges in a career as a technician and how to overcome them

Technicians are often still seen as support staff rather than equal partners in higher education. The phrase “just a technician” is burned into the psyche of many technical staff. Changing this perception requires consistent effort to highlight the expertise and professionalism that technicians bring to the table. They should consider taking on high-profile projects and demonstrating leadership and continuously advocate for the role of technicians within academic and administrative circles.

In many cases, the support and influence of vice-chancellors and senior managers can make a significant difference to how technical staff are viewed within an institution.

Despite the increasing recognition and opportunities, technicians in higher education still face challenges. Budget constraints, limited career progression and the risk of being undervalued remain significant issues.

For some technical staff, limited career progression in higher education means the community, at times, loses highly skilled colleagues. While the Technician Commitment has begun to address this issue, more work is needed to create clear career pathways. Technicians should actively seek out leadership opportunities, such as managing teams or leading technical projects. Engaging with institutional professional development programmes, or advocating for their creation, can help to bridge the gap between technical roles and academic career tracks.

So…what next for higher education technicians?

The evolving landscape of higher education presents both challenges and opportunities for technicians. With the introduction of initiatives such as the Technician Commitment and the support of organisations like UKITSS, technicians have the tools to advocate for themselves, grow professionally and gain the recognition they deserve. However, these opportunities must be actively pursued. Technicians must take charge of their own development, engage with the broader community, and continually push for greater visibility and recognition within their institutions. By doing so, they can ensure that their role in higher education is not only acknowledged but celebrated.

Mark Dabee Saltmarsh is a technical demonstrator at Cardiff Metropolitan University. He has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category in the 2024 THE Awards. A full list of nominees can be found here. The awards will be presented at a ceremony in Birmingham on 28 November 2024.

Academics and university leaders from across the UK and Ireland will come together on 27-28 November at THE Campus Live UK&IE to talk about how higher education can build resilience for a sustainable future. Join us for this two-day event in Birmingham.

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