Last week, as part of their campaign #Techognition promoting recognition of the role of technicians within schools and colleges workforce, Preproom.org supported by Unison, released their latest technician workforce survey. 

The 2024 survey, capturing 3,198 responses from across the UK, highlights a number of worrying issues facing technicians. 

• The majority of technicians will soon be reaching retirement age, with 50.9% of technicians over the age of 51. This will put additional pressure on existing recruitment issues. 
• There is a lack of understanding of the role of technicians, most worryingly by their employers but also the wider public. 
• Pay levels do not match pay expectations. 
• Technicians are often undertaking work they are not contracted to do and are often providing additional work for free. 
• Workloads have increased. 

Jane Oldham, Lead Science Technician for the de Ferrers Academy and Chair of ASE’s Technician Committee, commented on the report:

“It is extremely disheartening to see that school and college technicians continue to feel that their role is undervalued and misunderstood beyond their own departments. This, along with the ongoing recruitment issues and the ageing population of technicians could mean that essential support for practical science in education is under threat.” 

Support for technicians 

Whilst we cannot solve the recruitment and retention crisis, the ASE will continue to support the technician community through our advocacy activity, championing campaigns like #Techognition, and through online resources and dedicated CPD and networking meetings. 
Our range of resources cover best practice guidance and advice for school leaders and technicians and specialised retention support through our Science Technicians SOS booklet. 

Technicians can also access a range of free and discounted CPD including:

• Online Technician’s Leadership Programme
• Focused courses on supporting biology, physics, chemistry and working with students
• Guidance for new technicians to develop their skills and knowledge to feel more confident and useful in delivering practical work to students and teachers.