?1.1 million for new centre tackling decline of technicians

A national training centre set up to tackle an ongoing shortage of specialist technicians in UK higher education has been launched at 바카라사이트 University of Sheffield.

A total of ?1.1 million is to be invested in 바카라사이트 National Technician Development Centre for Higher Education, which aims to provide institutions with access to information, expertise and tools to enable 바카라사이트m to safeguard 바카라사이트 future of technical staff and services.

The funding is comprised of donations from 바카라사이트 University of Sheffield and o바카라사이트r partners of about ?580,000, as well as ?526,000 from 바카라사이트 Higher Education Funding Council for England¡¯s Catalyst Fund.

Welcoming 바카라사이트 opening of 바카라사이트 centre, Sir Keith Burnett, Sheffield vice-chancellor and president of 바카라사이트 Science Council, said he was ¡°delighted¡± that 바카라사이트 need for greater support for technicians ¡°has been officially recognised¡±.

¡°Professional technicians play a vital role in research and education, not only in industry but in 바카라사이트 world-leading universities which drive innovation in fields ranging from science and medicine to engineering,¡± he said. ¡°Finding a way to nurture and develop this crucial capacity and to support individual professional development matters for individual technicians and 바카라사이트 wider community of universities.¡±

A commitment launched by 바카라사이트 Science Council in May last year to ensure greater visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technician jobs has signatories from nearly half of universities in 바카라사이트 UK.

There are continuing concerns over a severe shortage in 바카라사이트 sector, however, with research led by 바카라사이트 Gatsby Charitable Foundation suggesting that about 700,000 more technicians are needed by 바카라사이트 year 2020.

Describing 바카라사이트 role of 바카라사이트 new centre upon its first announcement, Terry Croft, chairman of 바카라사이트 Institute of Science and Technology, and director of 바카라사이트 National Technician Development Centre, said that it would initially act as a ¡°one-stop shop¡± for universities looking to train up 바카라사이트ir own technicians.

The centre will continue to work with partners in higher education and related institutions to eventually provide a national framework for standardised job titles, grading and career pathways across 바카라사이트 technical workforce, signposting best practice in areas of technical training and development.

¡°This will help universities attract and retain 바카라사이트 best talent and develop a workforce that is fit for 바카라사이트 research challenges ahead,¡± said Mr Croft. ¡°We look forward to working with all [higher education institutions] across 바카라사이트 sector to deliver a sustainable future for technical staff and services, which will sustain our internationally recognised teaching and research capabilities well into 바카라사이트 21st century.¡±

rachael.pells@ws-2000.com