I’m a secondary science technician. AMA

[SideOrderofSprouts]

Just that really. I work as a science technician in a secondary school. It’s a lovely term time only, very varied role. So if anyone has questions about preparations for the practicals your kids do at school I’m here :)

Do you have a background in science? Did you need science qualifications to do it?

Hi. It depends on the schools. Some schools which do a level of btec ask for a degree. Where I am, which is up to
Gcse only, all that was required was decent gcse grades in science and maths and a keen interest in science. We have a lot of on the job training and get sent away on courses to cover important things such as health and safety, chemicals etc

Ooh, are you still there SideOrder?

I am starting as a science technician 3 days a week in September. I have a chemistry degree but haven't been in a lab since I graduated 25 years ago. I has a terrifying practical test as part of my interview which I completed very slowly so they know what they are taking on - get the impression that I was the only vaguely suitable person that applied. I'm going in for a couple of days orientation with the other science technician next week. So I have a load of questions

1. what are the most important things for me to find out next week so that I can be useful when I start in September?
2. what do I need to do to be better than average at the job?
3. I am really taking the job so that I can suss out whether or not I want to be a science teacher - how open do you think I can be about this?
4. anything else I ought to know?