The Job and What's Involved

Education lab technicians help teachers, lecturers and learners to make the best use of laboratory facilities in schools, colleges and universities. They set up, test and use scientific equipment, ranging from basic microscopes to sensitive research equipment.

Their roles can vary considerably from school to school. In general terms, they support the practical and technical aspects of the science curriculum. They prepare and provide the resources, as well as maintaining, organising and managing all of the equipment required for healthy, safe and secure, exciting practical activities to be carried out by staff and students.

Depending on the size of the school or college, technicians may be involved in all areas of science (mainly biology, chemistry and physics) or specialise in a single subject. They are not classroom assistants.

Tasks may include:

• Delivering and setting up materials and equipment for classes.
• Making up and testing solutions.
• Clearing away materials and equipment after use.
• Decontaminating laboratory work surfaces, sinks and equipment.
• Carrying out and monitoring experiments.
• Recording and presenting the results of experiments and research.
• Giving and assisting with demonstrations.
• Giving technical advice to staff, and assistance to students.
• Disposing of waste materials correctly.
• Organising and storing chemicals, materials and equipment.
• Keeping stock lists and ordering replacement resources.
• Monitoring science department budgets.
• Checking and repairing equipment and arranging maintenance contracts.
• Maintaining plant and animal collections.

Lab technicians are responsible for meeting health and safety requirements, and may need to provide first aid. Sometimes they have other tasks outside the science department, such as setting up computers and audio-visual equipment.

A significant amount of science technicians' working time is spent in the preparation (prep) room. Often the only school staff, other than technicians, who go into the prep room are the science teachers. They may work alone or in a team with other technicians.

Full-time education lab technicians usually work Monday to Friday. Early start and late finish times or weekend work may be necessary. A significant number of lab technicians work part time or term time only. Working throughout the year is more common in colleges and universities.

Working conditions are varied. Technicians spend most of their time in laboratories, computer rooms and preparation rooms. These may be modern and spacious or cramped and cluttered. The job involves a lot of standing, walking, bending and carrying.

Technicians work with various chemicals, so they need to wear protective clothing such as lab coats, gloves and goggles. The job may not be suitable for people who suffer from skin or chest conditions.

Starting salaries may be around £11,800 a year. Experienced technicians may earn from about £13,500 to £23,000.

The highest salaries may be over £25,000 a year.

There is no standard national pay scale for lab technicians, many of whom work part time. Local government pay scales are often used. Salaries in universities tend to be higher than elsewhere.

Getting Started with this Career Choice

There are over 5,000 secondary schools and colleges employing lab technicians, and over 300 universities, institutes and colleges of higher education. Overall, there are around 20,000 technicians employed in the UK. Jobs can be found throughout the country.

There may be competition for jobs, but there is an overall shortage of experienced technicians.

Vacancies are normally advertised in national and local newspapers, Connexions centres and Jobcentre Plus offices. Local government and higher education job vacancies can be viewed at www.lgjobs.com.

Education and Training

There are no set entry requirements, although many employers ask for four or five GCSE's (A*- C) including English, maths and at least one science subject.

Young people may also be able to start on an Apprenticeship for laboratory technicians. Generally, applicants should have at least three to five GCSE's (A*- C) including English, maths and science. GCSE's in engineering may also be available. The Diploma in engineering may be relevant for this area of work.

Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships provide structured training with an employer. As an apprentice you must be paid at least £95 per week; you may well be paid more. A recent survey found that the average wage for apprentices was £170 a week. Your pay will depend on the sector in which you work, your age, the area where you live and the stage at which you have arrived in the Apprenticeship.

Entry to Employment (e2e) can help to prepare those who are not yet ready for an Apprenticeship. In addition, Young Apprenticeships may be available for 14- to 16-year-olds. More information is available from a Connexions personal adviser or at www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

There are different arrangements for Apprenticeships in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

For further information visit My World of Work www.myworldofwork.co.uk/modernapprenticeships, Careers Wales www.careerswales.com; and for Northern Ireland contact www.careersserviceni.com.

Some applicants have A levels and BTEC qualifications in science subjects, while approximately 40 per cent of education lab technicians have a Higher National Diploma/Certificate (HND/HNC), a foundation degree or degree in a science or technology subject. As it is common to work part time and during term time only, some lab technicians fit the job around domestic or study commitments.

As a guide, minimum requirements for entry onto a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma course are normally one A level and three to four GCSE's (A*-C), or equivalent; for a degree course, the minimum requirements are normally two A levels and five GCSE's (A*-C), usually to include English and maths, or equivalent. As entry requirements to courses are likely to vary, candidates are advised to check with individual institutions.

To work with children, applicants need to undergo checks through theCriminal Records Bureau (CRB).

A Few More Exams You Might Need

Training is normally provided on the job and through external short courses, sometimes provided by equipment manufacturers or the Association for Science Education (ASE). Health and safety training is provided, covering subjects such as handling hazardous substances, and many technicians complete training in first aid techniques.

The Institute of Science & Technology (IST) offers a range of technical skills courses including:

• A Higher Diploma in analytical chemical laboratory techniques, biochemical laboratory techniques and microbiological laboratory techniques.
• A Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills (CLTS), at Levels 1 to 3 (Level 4 is under development) - each Level will also form the basis of a comprehensive training programme for laboratory technicians in its own right, providing the underpinning knowledge for NVQs and Apprenticeships.
• A continuing professional development (CPD) scheme with mentoring support, which allows members who have evidence of their competence, qualifications and experience to be included in the IST's list of approved technicians.
• A Professional and Personal Development scheme (PPD), open to all IST members irrespective of grade of membership, country of residence and type of employment.

NVQs are available in laboratory and associated technical activities at Levels 1 to 4.

Membership of a professional body is not essential, but it may enhance job prospects. It is possible to become a member of the IST at various levels, depending on qualifications and experience.

Skills and Personal Qualities Needed

Education lab technicians should:

• Be good at science.
• Be able to use technical equipment.
• Be able to work methodically and pay attention to detail.
• Follow health and safety procedures carefully.
• Be good at organising and planning ahead.
• Be observant.
• Have good computer skills.
• Be able to follow instructions and work on their own initiative.
• Work well in a team.
• Be flexible and adaptable, as they are likely to work for a number of people on different projects.
• Have good communication and listening skills to understand the requirements of students and colleagues.

Your Long Term Prospects

An assistant technician may progress to work as a technician, a senior or lead technician and eventually a laboratory manager, possibly covering several departments. Progression is based on qualifications and experience.

In universities, laboratory technicians may become research assistants or administrators.

Promotion prospects are often limited, but may be increased by gaining experience in a variety of different laboratories.

Some technicians train to become teachers, lecturers or research scientists.

Get Further Information

The Association for Science Education
Tel: 01707 283000
Website: www.ase.org.uk

Institute of Physics (IOP)
Tel: 020 7470 4800
Website: www.iop.org

The Institute of Science & Technology (IST)
Tel: 0114 276 3197
Website: www.istonline.org.uk

Royal Society of Chemistry
Tel: 020 7437 8656
Website: www.rsc.org

SEMTA (the Sector Skills Council for Science,
Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies)
Tel: 01923 238441
Learning helpline 0800 282167
Website: www.semta.org.uk

Society of Biology
Tel: 020 7936 5900
Website: www.societyofbiology.org

Women's Engineering Society
Tel: 01438 765506
Website: www.wes.org.uk

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