Career Development

This programme includes opportunities to hear and learn from guest speakers from across the UK higher education and research sector. Through cohort-based learning and individual reflection, delegates will be equipped with skills to develop themselves as an effective strategic technical leader.

Through this programme you will:

-gain an understanding of the UK higher education sector, its current affairs and the evolving landscape for technical staff

-establish your ‘personal brand’ and professional identity to your networks

-develop skills to influence key stakeholders within institutional structures

-focus on technical knowledge including finance / Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC), and using Research Excellence Framework (REF)/ Knowledge Exchange Framework (KEF)/ Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) to maximise impact, health & safety and funding approaches

Course and training offered by the Royal Society of Biology.

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Skills Development Grant allows technicians to undertake short to mid-term visits to organisations either overseas or within their country of residence, and the Travel and Training Grant supports technicians to participate in activities such as conferences, training courses and networking events online, at home or overseas. These activities will allow technicians to develop the skills and knowledge they need to elevate their career to the next level.

The RSC helps technicians identify high quality training to support their career development goals with our database of peer-reviewed and approved courses. We are working in partnership with HEaTED, the UK’s leading provider of professional development and networking opportunities for the technical workforce, to offer our members discounts on their approved training courses.

Following on from the launch of 'Technicians: Providing frontline and vital support for student mental health and wellbeing', it was recommended that training should be available to all technicians.  CWMT has developed an online learning resource for university staff, providing evidence-based information and training modules on a range of mental health issues. The aim is to help non-specialist staff feel more confident to spot and respond to signs of distress amongst students.

As proud supporters of the Technician Commitment, the RMS continues to offer technical training subsidies to empower and support members of the technical community to take part in RMS training events. If you are in a technician role working in higher education or research you can apply for a subsidy for any RMS course.

HEaTED is one of the leading providers of professional development and networking opportunities for all disciplines of the technical workforce in higher and further education, and related organisations across the UK.

CPD – Scheduled and On-Demand  CPD activities, designed, sourced and delivered  to inspire technicians at every stage of their career. The CPD can be tailor-made to support the career development of technicians at all levels in all discipline areas. Find out more here.

Professional Development Route Map – used to support the performance review process, staff development and career progression. The route map details the activities that individual technicians and organisations can undertake to develop the role of the technician and proactively manage career progression. Find out more here.

Since the T Level is a relatively new qualification, many people are unsure if they will be accepted for university admissions. Find responses from each university below.

The University of Liverpool has a cohort of highly skilled specialist staff that are essential to supporting research, such as developing methodology, technology and research facilities. Their expertise and contribution cannot currently be recognised under existing pathways as they do not fit the traditional progression route for academics.  

Employed in a wide range of roles, this pathway has been developed to enable the University of Liverpool to reward, retain and provide recognition for our staff, as well as grow our own talent and give a clearer route to develop a technical specialist career. 

During the 2023/24 academic year, the Univesity of Warwick has launched a technical specialists promotional pathway pilot. This framework will enable technical specialists to progress based on their own merit against a modified version of the four criteria used for the Academic Progression and Promotional Framework, providing recognition for excelling in a role whilst remaining a specialist.

SOE works to advance Operations Engineering for the benefit of everyone through education, training, study and research. SOE also establishes and maintains standards of competence and conduct for those engaged in Operations Engineering professionally, with an emphasis on enhancing public safety.

mycareerpath – This is a new tool for SOE members that enables them to record their career goals and plan their professional development.
As well as a general area for recording all CPD undertaken, mycareerpath has pre-loaded profiles designed to help plot professional progress to Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), Chartered Engineer (CEng), Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) or Fellowship of SOE (FSOE).

The Medical Research Council believes in supporting excellent science and training the very best scientists. They are in the process of building a collection of career profiles as a new online resource. Find out more here.

Interactive career framework – The framework gives information on possible options for careers and funding in biomedical research within academia and/or industry. Explore career and funding options for technicians within the framework here.

The Science Council believes that every scientist has a responsibility to society, and themselves, to work with integrity, keep their skills and knowledge up to date and consider how their efforts affect the world around them. The Science council registers provide a framework for professional values and practice throughout science career.

Click find out more to read the CPD Standards for Registered Science Technicians.

We offer support for members at every career stage; whether you're choosing your options at school or planning for retirement, we can help.

The NTDC team aims to enhance the excellence and efficiency of the Higher Education technical workforce and support HEIs to achieve a sustainable future for technical staff and services. The Centre is home to the TDM Toolkit. NTDC experts are available to support Toolkit implementation and to deliver a portfolio of workshops and presentations focusing on the issues facing institutions and technicians. Additional consultancy services are also available on request.

Technical Career Pathways Tool
The HE technical role is acknowledged to be misunderstood, undervalued and complex. The NTDC has developed a technical roles and competencies framework which will aim to illuminate career pathways within the technical profession. Find out more here.

Technician Skills, Roles and Responsibilities Audit
The NTDC’s Technician Skills, Roles and Responsibilities Audit is designed to capture every element of a technician’s role and career development, to aid CPD and to identify and clarify career pathways. Find out more here.

Career Development Opportunities

In order to raise the profile of the technical community and professionalise technical careers as a sustainable career pathway, it is necessary to increase the visibility of the technician as a highly skilled individual. The NTDC provides guidance and signposting to opportunities such as networking, mentoring, secondments and work shadowing. Find out more here.