School technicians working in design and technology and science are being given the chance to gain professional qualifications at an online training centre.
The Technician’s National Assessment Centre has been developed by the Design and Technology Association and the Association for Science Education to promote professional development for technicians.
The centre provides the laboratory and associated technical activities NVQ that underpins the four-level technician career structure. Staff progress from assistant technician to technician, senior technician and finally team leader technician.
Training via a virtual centre enables technicians to complete the qualification without having to attend sessions away from the workplace.
The scheme was piloted in the Midlands, Bristol and Sheffield areas in 2005-06.
Enrolment for the year 2006-07 has now closed, but the centre is pleased to hear from technicians wishing to embark on the scheme for the following year.
* www.techcen.org.uk
