Why are technicians important

You'll carry out more complex tasks, which could include some analysis, and are likely to spend more time in the office. In order to gain promotion you may need to move to a larger employer or a role in industry where progression is typically more defined.

Teams are often larger and therefore provide more roles and management levels. Taking further qualifications such as a Masters or PhD and acquiring specialist knowledge may enable you to move into scientific research. Jobs and work experience Search graduate jobs Job profiles Work experience and internships Employer profiles What job would suit me?

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View all science and pharmaceuticals vacancies. Add to favourites. If you have a science background and want to support scientific analysis, investigation, research and development, consider a career as a scientific laboratory technician Scientific laboratory technicians carry out the work that allows scientists to concentrate on, and perform, the more complex analytical processes in the laboratory.

Responsibilities The nature of the work will depend upon the organisation where you work. Production technicians often work in 8-hour shifts around the clock. Others, such as agricultural, forest and conservation, geological and petroleum, and environmental science and protection technicians, perform much of their work outdoors, sometimes in remote locations. Advances in automation and information technology require technicians to operate more sophisticated laboratory equipment.

Science technicians make extensive use of computers, electronic measuring equipment, and traditional experimental apparatus. Some science technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials. Chemical technicians sometimes work with toxic chemicals or radioactive isotopes; nuclear technicians may be exposed to radiation, and biological technicians sometimes work with disease-causing organisms or radioactive agents.

Forensic science technicians often are exposed to human body fluids and firearms. However, these working conditions pose little risk if proper safety procedures are followed. For forensic science technicians, collecting evidence from crime scenes can be distressing and unpleasant. Most employers prefer applicants who have at least 2 years of specialized postsecondary training or an associate degree in applied science or science-related technology. Some science technicians have a bachelor's degree in the natural sciences, while others have no formal postsecondary education and learn their skills on the job.

Some science technician specialties have higher education requirements. For example, biological technicians often need a bachelor's degree in biology or a closely related field. Forensic science positions also typically require a bachelor's degree, either in forensic science or another natural science. Knowledge and understanding of legal procedures also can be helpful. Chemical technician positions in research and development also often require a bachelor's degree, but most chemical process technicians have a 2-year degree instead, usually an associate degree in process technology.

Many technical and community colleges offer programs in a specific technology or more general education in science and mathematics. A number of associate degree programs are designed to provide easy transfer to bachelor's degree programs at colleges or universities. Technical institutes usually offer technician training, but they provide less theory and general education than community colleges. The length of programs at technical institutes varies, although 1-year certificate programs and 2-year associate degree programs are common.

Some schools offer cooperative-education or internship programs, allowing students the opportunity to work at a local company or some other workplace while attending classes during alternate terms. Participation in such programs can significantly enhance a student's employment prospects. Whatever their formal education, science technicians usually need hands-on training, which they can receive either in school or on the job.

Job candidates with extensive hands-on experience using a variety of laboratory equipment, including computers and related equipment, usually require only a short period of on-the-job training. Those with a high school diploma and no college degree typically have a more extensive training program where they work as trainees under the direct supervision of a more experienced technician. People interested in careers as science technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible.

Science courses taken beyond high school, in an associate or bachelor's degree program, should be laboratory oriented, with an emphasis on bench skills. A solid background in applied chemistry, physics, and math is vital. Other Skills Required Other qualifications Communication skills are important because technicians are often required to report their findings both orally and in writing. In addition, technicians should be able to work well with others. Because computers often are used in research and development laboratories, technicians should also have strong computer skills, especially in computer modeling.

Organizational ability and skill in interpreting scientific results are important as well, as are high mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and analytical thinking. Toggle navigation. Register Forgot password? This credential is ideal for entry-level IT technicians with little-to-no experience. Candidates must pass the certification exam. More advanced certifications are also available from Cisco for those who have a more accomplished skill set.

IT technicians need a specific skill set that will equip them to efficiently handle the complex tasks involved in this job. Proper time management is important as IT technicians are often responsible for handling upgrades, installations and troubleshooting, sometimes within a given day. They must schedule these appropriately to minimize downtimes for the organization as well. These professionals use research, analysis and critical thinking to assess issues and determine the most effective solutions.

They should anticipate changes as they update systems, including potential questions or concerns from organization users. They use these skills to ensure systems work properly and users are well-informed. Project management skills, such as organization and goal-setting, can help IT technicians properly plan the execution of a project from beginning to end.

IT technicians deal with a variety of projects from repairs to new installations, which require streamlined processes and clear goals and timelines for each. Strong communication skills are essential because IT technicians often have to explain complex technical tasks in simple terms that anyone can understand.

Providing support in person, via email or by phone, these professionals must convey their message clearly and succinctly. IT technicians can work for any kind of business that utilizes computers, networks and other technology. This includes offices, hospitals, airports, universities and more. This job may require lifting, reaching, bending and twisting.

IT technicians may also specialize in a particular system or solution and provide support to clients at multiple locations. These professionals maintain standard office hours but may work weekends or evenings in businesses where IT systems are used during these times. Hiring for your IT business? At Agilus Work Solutions we serve our candidate and employer networks, to lead a connected, forward-thinking work community. Simply put — we care about your whole life, work included.

Looking to hire? These are the traits you should look for in new candidates: 1. Self-Discipline Is your team working from home, perhaps hybrid or are working from the office? Excellent Problem-Solving Skills For many of your team members, it may be the first time that they are working from home. Attention to Detail Many IT issues are caused by the smallest, almost imperceptible mistakes that will affect how a program runs or a web page looks.

Great Communication Skills Your IT tech support person will be representing your company with users as an intermediary between them and the IT department. Passion for Technology Technology is always changing, and your support tech will need to be able to keep up in order to solve problems with the latest tech devices, networks, and software on the market. Article by Agilus Work Solutions. Recent Posts. Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Instagram.