Ask not what your technician can do for you-ask what you can do for your technician

Historically, the vital roles played by technicians in Higher Education (HE) have had little recognition. Job opportunities are often overlooked by those who have no working knowledge of such organisations and poorly defined career pathways mean that it may not be a first choice for well-qualified, ambitious individuals. With just over a third of all HE technicians in the UK expected to retire in the next 10 to 15 years fundamental changes are needed, both to attract large numbers of people into vacant roles and to retain current technical staff. National initiatives, founded and driven by charitable and professional bodies, are currently working to address the issues of technicians within HE. Organisations have been urged to take action or face potential recruitment difficulties and skills gaps over the coming years. In light of these national campaigns, institutions across the UK are beginning to develop proper structured career pathways, provide professional development and improve recognition for the work of their technical workforce. Whilst these are encouraging signs, only time will tell if enough has been done to raise both the profile and appeal of a technical career in HE.