Source: The Design and Technology Association

Technicians

Technicians play a crucial role in supporting and directly improving students' learning experiences in D&T. Common aspects for which they take responsibility include:

  • Preparing equipment and teaching areas for practical classes
  • Maintaining equipment and teaching areas
  • Ensuring a safe environment
  • Supporting teachers in practical classes
  • Helping students to get the most of out learning experiences
  • Carrying out administrative and other functions related to the smooth running of the department

The D&T Association recognises technicians as key members of the D&T department and to be included in all aspects of departmental management. The Association offers Technicians membership at a special rate as part of its support and to keep D&T technicians up-to-date with developments and events in the subject. Details can be found via the Membership tab on the right of this website.

Technicians are unlikely to be able to fulfil their potential if they do not know what teachers are trying to achieve or how they can play a role in supporting students' learning. Technicians should be trained not just in health and safety, but in maintenance of equipment, supporting teaching and learning, preparing materials, carrying out risk assessment and assisting students in technical activities.

The role of the technician varies according to school organisation, subject, level of work, the way in which lessons and practical work are organised, the skills and experience of the technician and the expectations of teaching staff. However technicians' tasks can be divided into five main areas:

  • Activities related to practical work (timetable- daily)
  • Assisting with special lessons and practical sessions (timetable- ongoing)
  • Repairs and general maintenance (timetable- weekly)
  • Administrative tasks (timetable- ongoing)
  • Extra duties (timetable- termly)

The D&T Association's Design & Technology Technicians' Guide provides essential reading for both technicians and subject leaders, covering:

  • The need for technicians
  • Roles, responsibilities, job descriptions and person specifications
  • Technician deployment and grades
  • Training, qualifications and experience
  • Induction of technicians
  • Helping students with practical work
  • Maintenance issues
  • Safety issues
  • Key references and reading
  • Useful checklists

Further references:

Design and Technology Technicians' Guide, 1997, revised 2003, Wellesbourne: D&T Association
BSI BS 4163:2007, London: BSI - covers health and safety management, planning and design, working area environments and services
Risk Assessment in Secondary School D&T Teaching Environments, 2003, Wellesbourne: D&T Association
Health & Safety Training Standards in D&T, 2008, Wellesbourne: D&T Association

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