Design and technology (D&T) technicians usually work as part of a team with teachers, teaching assistants and other support staff and play a crucial role in supporting and improvement of students’ learning experience. They can also support science, IT as well as design and technology teachers by preparing equipment and materials and helping in practical lessons.
What’s involved
As a design and technology technician, your tasks would include:
- preparing, setting up and checking equipment
- supporting teaching staff and students during lessons
- putting away equipment after lessons
- ensuring a safe environment
- organising and storing equipment and checking stock
- repairing, maintaining and modifying equipment
- administrative tasks
Your exact duties and responsibilities would vary depending on where you work. In a primary school or the early years of secondary education you may be involved in preparing basic experiments.
Entry requirements
It is up to schools and local authorities to decide what qualifications and experience applicants need to have, so it is important to check locally.
Employers will often expect you to have at least GCSEs (A-C) or equivalent qualifications in English, maths and at least one science subject. It is becoming increasingly common for technicians to have higher qualifications, so for some jobs you may need A levels or the equivalent in science, or a foundation or degree in a science or technology subject.
The following qualifications are available for those not yet employed in the role:
- Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools
- Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools
However, these awards are solely theory-based, without requiring a placement in a school, so it is important to check with the school or local authority whether they would accept the qualification.
Some schools also offer apprenticeships, which are work-based training.
Training and development
D&T technicians can find out more about training at the Design and Technology Association
If you need more help speak to the person at work responsible for your career development or your Union Learning Representative.
Useful links
Have a look at the technician role profiles under the specialist and technical job family to find out more about different levels you could work at.
Learn more about technicians in education on the National Careers Service website
Discuss the design & technology role on the TES Design and Technology Forum
Design and Technology Association
For more information in Scotland, contact Skills Development Scotland
In Northern Ireland contact Careers Service Northern Ireland
In Wales / Cymru contact Careers Wales