The first Technician Week, featuring daily events aimed at technicians and technical specialists, recently took place at the LMB. The Week was organised by the LMB Technician Commitment Committee and included talks and workshops about professional registration, careers and public engagement, open to all at the LMB.
The week kicked off with a talk about the benefits of professional registration by Jane Banks, External Relationships Manager for the Science Council. She shared useful resources about the process and two people explained their registration journeys.
Tuesday’s event showcased just how variable technical careers can be. Attendees heard from Chris Hall, Deputy Flow Cytometry Manager and Chair of the Technician Commitment Committee at Babraham Institute, Joanna Brown, Cryo-EM Facility Manager at Astex Pharamaceuticals, and Steve Scotcher, Head of the Mechanical Workshop at the LMB. All three had diverse and engaging career paths to share, underlining that there is not just one way to be a technician.
Martin Kyte, Senior Design Engineer in the LMB Electronics Workshop, talked about public engagement for non-scientists on Wednesday. He explained how, as an engineer, he has been able to use his interest in science to get involved with public engagement activities at the LMB. Indeed, he finds that not knowing all the specific scientific jargon is an advantage when talking to the public, as is his historical knowledge of the LMB which provide a wealth of stories to engage the public with.
Thursday saw the career development theme continue with a workshop on how to talk about skills and strengths professionally and confidently. Sarah Allen, from Midlands Innovation and Talent, shared how to communicate strengths to line managers, senior leaders, and recruiters. Attendees learned about application questions, interview examples and review conversations.
The week culminated with a series of talks from people who have taken part in initiatives designed to extend their career horizons. Fan Zhang, Deputy Flow Cytometry Manager at the LMB, explained her participation in the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership. The programme aims to elevate opportunities for women who are current or aspiring leaders in technical roles by expanding their network and helping them develop leadership skills.
Agatha Ward, a T-level student at the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology, discussed her work experience placement at the LMB and the skills she’s learnt through rotational positions in the LMB’s Scientific Facilities.
Finally, Tina Etemadi, Pathology Technician at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, shared her experience undertaking the Holger Kramer Exchange Programme, named in memory of Holger Kramer. The scheme is intended to facilitate knowledge and skill exchange between technical specialists and, to this end, Tina spent one week in the Flow Cytometry Facility at the LMB learning new techniques to apply to her position at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell.
Jane Wagstaff, member of the Technician Commitment Committee, stated: “We hope the first Technician Week at the LMB has inspired our technicians and technical specialists in not only their career development goals, but also in taking part in public engagement or to seek out new training opportunities. We are already looking forward to planning next year’s event.”
Further references
Technicians make it happen
LMB becomes signatory of the Technician Commitment
Professional registration and awards: Celebrating the Technician’s Commitment at the LMB