STEMNET award seeks out technician inspiration 22 September 2011

STEMNET has announced a nationwide hunt for technicians who can inspire the next generation and help to fill the skills gap described as critical to the future of the UK's economy.

The Inspirational Technician Award, supported by Lord Sainsbury's Gatsby Foundation, will recognise excellence among technicians who inspire young people to follow engineering careers.

Lord Sainsbury explains that the award – one of five within The National STEMNET Awards 2011, sponsored by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) – aims to improve public perceptions of a profession in high demand by employers.

"In the past, there have not been well-established routes for young people to acquire technician qualifications that are valued by employers, and which, therefore, help young people to get better paid and more exciting jobs," comments Lord Sainsbury.

He points to "a major problem" facing the technician profession, which he describes as "a lack of understanding of the job and the career paths available".

An Engineering UK report last year found that perceptions of what technicians do was significantly lower among the UK population than for their counterparts in Europe.

20% of men and 30% of women admitted to knowing nothing about what technicians do, and understanding of the profession was particularly poor in younger age groups.

Lord Sainsbury hopes that two recent initiatives, launched to improve the situation, will make a difference.

First, a Technician Council has been set up to promote the Registered Technician qualification across the engineering, ICT, health and other professional bodies. Secondly, the new University Technical Colleges will be seeking to align their teaching with these new qualifications.

"Through our nationwide volunteer scheme, the STEM Ambassadors Programme, STEMNET has always found professionals whether they are technicians, scientists or engineers, to be the best people to banish stereotypes and inspire young people about their potential in STEM careers," comments Kirsten Bodley, STEMNET chief executive.

"We hope that, through this award, we will discover a range of passionate role models who can bring about a change in how the public view a career as a technician," she adds.

Brian Tinham

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