JourneyApprenticeshipsEducation technician (he assistant technician and simulation-based technician)
Education technician (he assistant technician and simulation-based technician)
Level 3 · AdvancedEducation and early years 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Education technicians support academic and research staff in further and higher education settings by maintaining specialist equipment, managing laboratory or simulation facilities, and providing technical assistance to students. You will work in a wide range of settings including science labs, engineering workshops, nursing simulation suites, or art studios. The role offers progression into senior technician, technical officer, or laboratory management positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Safe operation and maintenance of specialist equipment in your setting
Health and safety legislation for laboratory and workshop environments
Preparing, setting up, and clearing down practical sessions for students
Basic repairs, calibration, and fault-finding on technical equipment
Ordering, storing, and managing stocks of consumables and materials
Supporting academic staff in developing practical learning resources
Record keeping, asset management, and equipment documentation
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Set up equipment and materials before practical sessions for teaching staff
Support students during laboratory or workshop activities under supervision
Carry out routine maintenance and cleaning of specialist equipment
Monitor stock levels and raise purchase orders for consumables
Follow COSHH and risk assessment procedures for hazardous materials
Assist academic staff in designing and testing new practical activities
Maintain equipment records, calibration logs, and asset registers
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.