Technical careers at the University of Plymouth

Degree courses at the University of Plymouth are underpinned by a significant element of practical classes and fieldwork. They are designed to meet the needs of industry and commerce and an emphasis on experiential learning aims to equip our students with the skills required for the workplace. While the theory is delivered by our academics, much of the practice is supported by our technicians.

Traditionally technical roles have neither been well understood nor recognised. However, the role has been evolving and has assumed greater significance as pressure on academic roles has increased. Technicians are now highly skilled, many have degrees and a growing number have doctorates. Academics and students alike rely on their support in laboratories, workshops, studios and the field, where their development of techniques and expertise in the use of complex equipment is vital.

From boat skippers to circuit board designers

The University of Plymouth has a cohort of 180 technicians at all grades, from apprentice to Faculty Technical Manager, supporting a broad range of subject areas across our five faculties. Roles are therefore very varied and no two roles are the same. For example we employ technicians who:

• support the operation of our wave tank in the COAST Lab
• teach the use of CNC machines in our engineering workshop
• skipper our fleet of boats based at the Marine Station
• write programmes for psychology projects
• support digital skills development for undergraduates in the Plymouth Business School
• design and manufacture printed circuit boards
• provide clinical skills training for medical students
• run lighting, sound and projection facilities in our theatres and studios
• produce digital maps using equipment deployed in drones and quad bikes
  
• support laboratory and field work in terrestrial and marine disciplines.