FE Technician Careers – Meet a CRC Technician in Engineering

It’s #TECHOGNITION Day! 8th March

#TECHOGNITION is a national celebration of technical support staff, recognising the importance of their essential roles in school and college education.

The seventh annual #TECHOGNITION event is being held on Friday 8th March 2024. We want to celebrate our technicians and the great work they do for the CRC community.

We are shining the spotlight on our amazing technicians in a series of blogs: Meet a CRC Technician! Read on to find out about their career route, what a typical day looks like and much more. As it’s National Careers Week they will be sharing some top tips for people considering a career as a Technician in Education.

Meet Technician, Tony Barfield

What department(s) / subjects do you support?

Engineering

How did you come to be a technician? (What career/educational route have you taken to get here?)

Became a Technician via Lead from the Community Training Programme, when I was based at Haggis Gap, Fulbourn.

I had a bumpy Secondary education life, then went on to do a one-year general course at Cambridge College of Further Education (CCFE) then a Two Year BTEC Qualification also at CCFE. Then joined a Job Club in Cambridge.

What does a typical day look like as a technician?

My main role is supporting Electronic Engineering classes and two days a week I assist Mechanical Engineering students doing Hand fitting, Turning & Milling. Cut parts up for the mechanical classes and cut up strip board for the Electronic classes.

I am responsible for purchasing the steels and non-ferrous materials for the Manufacturing Workshop and purchasing components and “kit up” for Electronic classes. I monitor and top up the metal working Fluids in Manufacturing. Alongside this I am responsible for staff safety equipment and Material Test Laboratory.

As well as the technical preparations I also support the Department by being the main Meet & Greet person for our Welcome Events.

What are the key skills of a great FE technician?

Being multi skilled, resourceful and flexible.

What do you particularly like about being a technician /being a technician at CRC?

Love demonstrating the necessary engineering skills for students to work safely in workshops and laboratories, and troubleshooting when the students need assistance.

What advice would you offer anyone considering becoming a technician?

Make sure you pass the maths & English courses and try to be keen to take on new challenges and learn new skills.

CELEBRATE TECHNICIANS!

We want to thank our technicians for all the great work they do supporting CRC staff and students.