CCCG’s second STEM Technicians Conference welcomes 120 Science Technicians from across the country

Science Technicians join speakers and sponsors for another highly successful and unique STEM Technicians Conference.

On 11 July, City and Islington College’s (CANDI) Sixth Form College played host to 120 Science Technicians from across the country for CCCG’s STEM Technicians Conference.

Building on the success of last year’s event, this year’s conference welcomed more Science Technicians, speakers and sponsors from the world of science education. After an introduction and welcome from Matt Wojtyniak, Deputy Principal at CANDI, attendees enjoyed an exceptional day of subject-specific learning and networking.

The keynote speech was delivered by Steve Jones, Director of CLEAPPS, the supporting body that regulates practical work in science education. During his speech, Steve stressed the importance of STEM Technicians in education, highlighting their expertise and the impact they have on students through their practical and engaging work.

The attendees were then able to choose from an impressive range of 24 workshops, delivered over three sessions. The vast array of workshops on offer covered everything from GCSE and A Level specific practicals to skills such as laser cutting, soldering, microscale distillation and data harvesting. Guests were also able to delve into the use of AI and machine learning, learn how to unleash the power of 3D printing and explore a number of practical techniques to promote engagement and encourage creativity.

A particularly popular workshop, titled My Technicians Journey, focussed on the career paths of three Science Technicians from CANDI’s Sixth Form College and the Centre for Applied Sciences, Britney Ofori, Colette McNamara and Becca Moore began their Science Technician careers within the college, either as junior employees on apprenticeships and now make up the core science delivery team.

The schedule allowed plenty of time for attendees and exhibitors to network and discuss their ideas and discoveries – with lunch provided courtesy of event sponsor Phillip Harris. The conference concluded with a raffle and special prize draw, where winners took home equipment and resources from sponsors Labexpert UK and Vitta Education.

The event offered Science Technicians from across the UK the opportunity to come together, allowing them to network, learn new skills and celebrate the importance of their role within education.

One attendee said: “I am the only Science Technician at my school. It’s fantastic to be able to come and meet so many other people who do my role, learn from each other and feel invested in. It really gave me a sense of belonging. Also, the conference organised by the phenomenal Science Technicians team working under Chris Pambou (Chief Science Technician at City and Islington College) was so well organised and the topics covered were so useful for me. I’m definitely coming back next year!”

We offer an excellent range of Science and Forensics Courses for learners of all ages and backgrounds – all supported by our dedicated team of Science Technicians!

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