What is a School Science Technician?

School Science Technicians play a vital role in helping to provide high quality science teaching in a range of educational institutions, such as secondary schools and colleges, in both the public and private sectors. Larger schools often have a team of Science Technicians, whereas technicians in smaller schools tend to work alone.

This role can involve a wide variety of tasks, from helping pupils with one-on-one educational support to maintaining lab equipment. Other tasks undertaken by School Science Technicians include:

• Helping to set up experiments ready for lessons
• Liaising with academic staff to plan lessons and equipment requirements
• Managing department budgets
• Ordering and replenishing stocks of important resources
• Providing assistance in practical science lessons
• Cleaning and maintaining lab equipment
• Ensuring full compliance with health and safety standards

How to become a School Science Technician

Entry requirements for school Science Technicians vary depending on location, so it’s important to check with your Local Authority.

Generally, you will be expected to have passed GCSE English, Maths, and Science. For some jobs, you may be required to have A Levels, or even a foundation degree in a science-related discipline. These might include:

• Chemistry
• Biology
• Physics
• Biomedical science
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Pharmacology
• Forensic science

Obviously, an interest in science and teaching are essential. Work experience in a lab, scientific company or working with children would be advantageous, and a way of demonstrating your interest in and commitment to the role.

Sometimes, schools offer apprenticeships for Science Technicians, which give you an opportunity to learn and work at the same time.

As with any role which involves working with children, candidates will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

School Science Technicians can expect starting salaries of around £15,000, depending on the individual role. More senior positions with teaching responsibilities can sometimes command salaries of up to £30,000. As most positions are usually term-time only, it’s important to remember that salaries will be pro-rata.

Once in the role, you might decide to work towards earning a vocational qualification, such as the NVQ in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities, or the Certificate in Laboratory Skills. You may also choose to register with the ASE and receive the Registered Science Technician Award (RSciTech) if you are eligible.

The Association of Science Education (ASE) recommends the following career structure for School Science Technicians, although employers are not obligated to follow it:

• Assistant Technician
• Technician
• Senior Technician
• Team Leader Technician

What are the pros / cons of being a Science Technician in a school?

We asked our Technical Sales Manager, Martin Hinsley, to give us some pros and cons of being a Science Technician. First up, the pros:

Varied working day – “How many other jobs do you know where on the same day you can be making up volumetric solutions, managing a science department budget and preparing hearts for dissection?”

High level of job satisfaction – “Despite the recognition issues surrounding the profession, most technicians are happy in their role. There is always something new to learn and you are forever developing new practical skills.” 

Encouraged to be innovative – “Being able to use your creativity to try out new demonstrations, practical experiments and find diverse ways to engage students.”

Working as a team – “Science departments tend to be close-knit communities of both support and teaching staff working together for a common goal, to enhance the learning of students.”

Here are some of the challenges:

Pay – “The salary itself isn't low but it often doesn’t reflect the responsibility or level of skill required by the job. Depending on location and type of school pay can vary considerably. Private schools and colleges paying more than average, with state and academies towards the lower end of the spectrum.”

Heavy work load – It can sometimes feel like there are not enough hours in the working day to complete your work load, often requiring work outside of contracted hours. In a recent study conducted by Preproom.org, 59% of technicians were required to work overtime but would not get paid overtime or time off in lieu (TOIL).”

Lack of career progression – Again this comes down to the type and location of the school/college. In general, once you have reached Senior Technician level there are limited options for progression. The skill you have obtained, however, are transferable and can be extremely useful outside of the setting of a school.”     

Further Information

Here are some websites you might find useful if you want more information:

https://www.ase.org.uk  

http://science.cleapss.org.uk/

https://istonline.org.uk/

https://www.stem.org.uk/