You can do a college course to improve your chances of finding work. The exact course you do will depend on which subject area you want to work in as a technician.

Courses include:

• A levels in your chosen subject area
• Level 3 Diploma in Applied Science
• Level 3 Diploma in Information Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design

You could also do a Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools or a Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

Some education technicians have a higher national diploma, foundation degree or degree in their specialist area. You might need this if you want to work in higher education.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma

You might be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship in a specialist role, like a lab technician or IT solution technician.

If you want to work in a university, you could do a higher education technician advanced apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You can apply directly for education technician jobs if you've got the right skills and experience.

Employers will expect you to have GCSEs 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels or equivalent qualifications in English, maths and usually at least one science subject.

You'll need:

• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• knowledge of English language
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could:

• collect, set up and check equipment for practical lessons
• make sure rooms and resources meet health and safety rules
• support teachers and students during lessons
• put away equipment after lessons
• manage equipment, supplies and budgets
• repair, maintain and modify equipment and teaching aids

You could work at a college, at a school or at a university.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.