Embedded Files
NEW PATHWAY LAUNCH: NTDC National Education Technical Professional (ETP) Pathway
5th March 2025
Education Technical Professionals:
Education Technical Professionals:
Driving Student Success & Innovation in Technical & Technology-Focused Education
Driving Student Success & Innovation in Technical & Technology-Focused Education
The NTDC are proud to unveil the NTDC National Education Technical Professional (ETP) Pathway, designed to elevate the role and impact of Education Technical Professionals (ETPs) in higher education. This pathway, developed in collaboration with 20 universities and professional bodies, is a significant milestone in recognising and advancing the careers of education technicians who play a crucial role in student success, satisfaction, and employability. By establishing clear career pathways and structured development opportunities, it ensures that technical professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve.
A Vision for the Future of Education Technicians
A Vision for the Future of Education Technicians
The ETP Pathway was co-created through extensive sector-wide collaboration, refined through national events and feedback from over 30 organisations. The pathway establishes a structured, progressive career trajectory for ETPs, ensuring their expertise and contributions are acknowledged and developed.
The ETP Working Group
The ETP Working Group
We would like to express a huge thanks to all members of the NTDC ETP Working Group for their support and work in bringing this pathway to the technical community.
Professor Sir Keith Burnett CBE FRS CPhys FInstP FLSW
Professor Sir Keith Burnett CBE FRS CPhys FInstP FLSW
Chair of the NTDC Board, President of the Institute of Physics, and Chair of the Nuffield Foundation, shares his enthusiasm for this landmark initiative:
Chair of the NTDC Board, President of the Institute of Physics, and Chair of the Nuffield Foundation, shares his enthusiasm for this landmark initiative:
"It is my absolute pleasure to present the NTDC National Education Technical Professional (ETP) Pathway. Through my own experience of being a Vice Chancellor and my work at organisations like the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society and the Nuffield Foundation I know first-hand the critical role played by education technicians. I am a strong supporter of technician development and welcome this report seeking to increase the visibility, recognition and impact technical colleagues make to key university education metrics, student outcomes, satisfaction and employability. Education has the power to transform lives; Education Technical Professionals are a key contributor to this transformation."
Addressing Challenges and Strengthening the Sector
Addressing Challenges and Strengthening the Sector
The importance of education technicians cannot be overstated. The NTDC’s latest survey of 5,100 technicians revealed that 67% contribute directly to student success, yet recruitment and retention remain key challenges. The ETP Pathway offers a structured approach to career progression, helping universities attract and retain top technical talent while ensuring parity of esteem with other professional pathways, such as Research Technical Professionals.
The pathway highlights the indispensable role of ETPs in enhancing:
The pathway highlights the indispensable role of ETPs in enhancing:
Student learning experiences
Practical and technical skill development
Employability outcomes
Innovative teaching practices
Empowering the Technical Workforce
Empowering the Technical Workforce
Through our training division, HEaTED, and partnerships with career coaching specialists, we continue to provide tailored development opportunities for technical professionals across the UK and internationally.
To further support this initiative, we have launched ETP Net, a national network dedicated to education-focused technicians. This network provides a platform for knowledge sharing, professional development, and collaboration across disciplines.
Engage with the ETP Pathway at your Institution
Engage with the ETP Pathway at your Institution
We encourage universities, professional bodies, and individual technicians to engage with the ETP Pathway and integrate it into their career development frameworks. By working together, we can ensure that education technicians receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.
For more details on the NTDC National Education Technical Professional Pathway and how to get involved, download the full report here.
Please contact us at enquiries@ntdc.ac.uk with any enquiries.
Page updated
Report abuse