Technicians assist university to create teaching laboratory
7 Apr 2017 by Evoluted New Media
The University of Birmingham is continuing its investment of more than £40m in its new teaching labs, which has now entered its second phase.
The University of Birmingham is continuing investment of more than £40m in new teaching labs, which has now entered its second phase.
The new facility – the Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (CTL) – will aim to produce industry-ready graduates ready for working in interdisciplinary environments as well as state-of-the-art facilities for use.
Construction of the CTL will be delivered in two phases. The first phase opened for teaching in September 2016, with the second phase now entering construction. Last month, a ceremony was held on the site of the second phase to highlight the importance of technical staff in creating the design and development of this stage.
With their vast expertise and understanding of how best to run a teaching laboratory, technicians have contributed to the CTL project in a number of ways. This included advice on the layout, defining the requirements of equipment services such as specialist gases or extraction and ensuring fulfilment of operational safety requirements.
Once completed, technicians will be involved in usual activities and will be encouraged to broaden their skillset and experience by working across a number of different disciplines.
Three technical development organisations have been working closely with the University during the construction of this teaching facility, the Technical Development and Modernisation (TDM) project, HEaTED and the Institute of Science and Technology. The TDM project was launched to address the shortage of technician skills and to remedy this are currently producing a Technical Resources Toolkit for release late this year. Part of this work involves collaboration with HEaTED, to provide a framework for externally accredited technician progression.
HEaTED has a network of more than 70 institutions and more than 7000 technicians, and provides a number of specialist technical skills courses, face to face and online networking groups in addition to workshops. The final collaborator is the Institute of Science and Technology (IST), which provides focused, professional support to specialist, technical and managerial colleagues across a wide range of sectors. All technicians that work in the CTL will be encouraged to join the IST and also apply for a Science Council Professional Recognition.
