Trainee Technicians
A training scheme, under the direction of Human Resources and the Technicians Committee, is provided for trainee technicians to ensure that young members of staff receive adequate training for occupations for which they are suited and which offer suitable careers.
Training Period and Day Release Classes
Trainee technicians in the University service are normally employed for a three year training period, the first year of which is a probationary period. They must attend day release classes leading to the Ordinary National Certificate or other appropriate qualification. Technicians will be permitted to attend Day Release Classes leading to Higher National Certificates or higher appropriate qualifications subject to satisfactory progress.
The University will be responsible for the payment of the course fees for the first attempt of a course, up to and including HNC level. In the event of resignation, or withdrawal from classes, before the end of the session, the University will claim a refund of the appropriate amount of the course fee.
University Internal Training Programme
There is an internal training programme which is primarily concerned with an introduction to the University, basic computing skills and a range of health and safety issues. Trainee Technicians must follow the course of study approved for them by the Technicians Committee, where progress will be under the direction of Human Resources, after consultation with the Head of School/RI/Service concerned.
Absence from Classes
When a trainee does not attend a Day Release or Internal Class, a letter to this affect countersigned by the most senior technician in the School/RI/Service must be sent by the trainee to Human Resources.
Progress Report
The progress of trainee technicians shall be reviewed periodically by their School/RI/Service. Any cases of unsatisfactory progress will be referred to Human Resources.
Appropriate Qualifications for Technicians
Qualification to National Certificate and Higher National Certificate level in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualifications are required for appointment and promotion to a graded technical post.
Technicians are promoted to Technician Grade C subject to:-
- i) A minimum of a National Certificate in a relevant discipline
and - ii) Completion of three years relevant experience and
- iii) A satisfactory report from the Head of School/RI/Service
Training
The provision of training facilities is a matter to be determined by the University, having regard to the needs of the University and taking into account the needs of the member of staff. The Staff Development Service and the Computing Service offer a wide range of courses for all University staff, including technical and related members of staff. Courses are listed in a booklet, copies of which are available from the Staff Development Service. Enquiries relating to approved courses of further education should be raised in the first instance with Human Resources.Requests to Undertake Further Study
The Technicians Committee have agreed the following guidelines:-
a) The guidelines apply to further study in, or outside the University, beyond the stage of HNC, which is provided for under the present conditions of service.
b) Permission is given by the University Court on the recommendation of the Technicians Committee. It is not a right, or subject to appeal.
c) Applications from research grant funded technicians will be treated in the same way as those funded by SHEFC. One exception will be that the proposed arrangements for study must be acceptable to the funding agency as well as the Research Grant holder, and evidence that this is so will be required by the Technicians Committee at the time of consideration of the application.
d) The fees for SHEFC technicians will continue to be remitted and research funded technicians will continue to pay part time fees.
e) Any loss of time must be made good to the satisfaction of the School/RI/Service/research grant holder and the Technicians Committee.
f) A time limit, either to pass the appropriate examination or to present a research thesis, should be set, possibly one year beyond the minimum required.
Applications must be made to Human Resources in the first instance and must be made by the Head of School/RI/Service, his or her nominee or the grant holder if appropriate.
