A new survey says they do, but that they receive little to no support from their educational institution.

A new survey* of higher education (HE) technicians in the UK has revealed that while 90 per cent feel that they contribute to the teaching process, less than 27 per cent felt they have received any support from their institution to prepare them for that role.

There are currently 20,680 technicians working in universities across England and an estimated 30,000 in the UK**.

These new findings highlight a stark gap between the expectations that institutions place on technicians and how technicians are actually professionally trained and developed. They will also leave many higher education students wondering if their technicians are being properly supported and trained for undertaking this role.

The results of the survey were compiled by HEaTED, a membership organisation dedicated to supporting the professional development of technical staff from all disciplines and specialisms in higher education.

In the Times Higher Education Student Experience Study 2014, 29 of the top 50 highest ranked universities were HEaTED members, demonstrating the link between professional support for technicians and the quality of the workplace. Nationally, only half of HE institutions are currently members of the organisation, missing out on the valuable training and support network HEaTED provides***.

“The HEaTED programme can make universities a better workplace for technical staff,” explains Dr Rachel Crossley, the Head of Programme at HEaTED which provides a national training programme and regional network where technicians can access best-in-class training.

“Since September 2012, HEaTED has provided training in Teaching and Learning Skills to over 200 technical staff through a dedicated programme developed to meet the precise training gap identified by this survey.

“Technical staff are a hugely valuable contributor to the student experience and their role in teaching should be both supported and recognised.

“As experts in our field, HEaTED’s vision is to support HE technicians in their professional development, improve the quality of the technical workforce, and ensure a long-term supply of high quality HE technical skills. However, at the moment, technicians are not getting the backing and support that they need from the institutions which employ them.

“As a workforce, technicians face an aging profile and a recognised skills shortage – about half of the technicians in chemistry, engineering and physics departments are due to retire within the next 15 years. Recently the UK Commission for Employment and Skills highlighted that by 2020 the UK will need an extra 450,000 individuals trained to technician level****.

“HEaTED is addressing this future shortfall by supporting a new generation of technicians with professional development opportunities and the provision of national and regional Networks. As more universities and HE institutions join HEaTED and invest in the future of their technicians and technical support staff, we can ensure that a potential career as a technician is that much more appealing.

“That change will not only benefit technicians but the UK’s quality of teaching in higher education as a whole.”

For more information about HEaTED membership click here. To browse over 1,000 professional training and development courses in the HEaTED directory, click here.

*Over 2,634 HEaTED members were issued the survey with 104 providing responses

** According to Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), there are 20,680 technicians working across universities in England. HEaTED estimate 30,000 for the UK as a whole.

***According to HEFCE, there are currently 130 higher education institutions. Seventy are currently members of HEaTED.

****In 2011, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills showed that by 2020 the UK will need an extra 450,000 individuals trained to technician level.