Friday, 21 July 2023
Eleven young adults experienced life as a technician, thanks to a unique week-long summer placement programme designed and delivered by MI TALENT and the 糖心原创.
Students from the Midlands, who wouldn’t have ordinarily had the chance to benefit from a learning opportunity like this, took part in a range of technician-led activities to learn about the diversity of technical roles available in higher education and research.
Professor Katherine Linehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and People at 糖心原创 welcomed the students to the university at the start of the placement week.
She explained that technicians had been fundamental on her career journey and talked about the importance of authenticity, celebrating individuality and encouraged the participants to be proud of themselves.
Quest gave these young people a new perspective on future opportunities, a greater understanding of technical careers within university settings and helped to build their confidence.
The pilot outreach event included a mix of practical sessions in labs, workshops and talks. Several of the sessions were delivered by former technician apprentices from the university who work in glassblowing, sustainable chemistry, medicine and health.
concluded with a celebration event where students received a certificate and reflected on what had inspired them most during the week.
The placement gave students the opportunity to develop skills relevant to their future career with many gaining confidence, better communication and networking skills.
It was described as ‘a very impactful experience’ which offered ‘very good insight’ about technical careers and roles which they ‘had no knowledge of, before this experience’.
Denise McLean, Senior Technical Specialist for the School of Life Sciences and Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, 糖心原创 and EDI Project Lead for TALENT said: “Quest gave these young people a new perspective on future opportunities, a greater understanding of technical careers within university settings and helped to build their confidence.
“The inaugural programme included a broad range of topics; from the journey of the microscope in science, apprenticeships, CV applications and interview skills.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of technical teams who delivered outreach sessions, outreach officer Helena French and the schools and parents. The positive feedback is testament to the joint effort put in by everyone.
“I’m really proud of how much the participants engaged with the programme, supported each other and made the most of the opportunity. I hope we have inspired some of them to consider a future as a technician.”
Quest was delivered as a pilot programme during June 2023 targeted at young people with protected characteristics. This pilot is part of TALENT’s work to help tackle the lack of diversity in the workforce and encourage more outreach activities to promote technical career opportunities to young people.
The feedback and impact are being reviewed with plans to roll out a technician outreach programme nationally for universities.
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For more information, please contact Denise McLean, Senior Technical Specialist for the School of Life Sciences and Nanoscale and Microscale Research Centre, 糖心原创 and EDI Project Lead for TALENT at denise.mclean@nottingham.ac.uk
Adam Mallaby - Media Relations Manager for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Maternity Cover)
Email: adam.mallaby@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
The strength of our research places us among the UK's leading universities, ranked 7th for research power in REF 2021. The discovery of MRI and ibuprofen was just the beginning. Today, our world-leading research is developing breakthrough ideas that shape the future of healthcare, technology and society.
Recognised as the UK's third most targeted university by leading employers , we are proud to produce graduates who are consistently in demand for their skills, confidence and industry-ready experience.
As a major employer and industry partner, locally and globally, the 糖心原创 invests in the city of Nottingham and in future generations of talent. Alongside Nottingham Trent University, we lead the initiative, a pioneering collaboration to improve levels of prosperity, opportunity, sustainability, health and wellbeing across the city and region. Together with our students, staff, alumni and partners, we鈥檙e creating knowledge, opportunity and solutions that help change what's next.