The University of Sussex is a signatory of the Technician Commitment, a national initiative which aims to improve the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technicians, who help keep the University running smoothly through their specialised work across research and teaching.
This month we held the University’s first Technician Conference at Stanmer House, to celebrate the incredible team of technicians we have across our Schools. Over 80 Technicians attended and were greeted with bespoke goodies and refreshments. The conference focused on career development and it included engaging and inspiring talks from Dr Steve Cross and Helen Keen about career pathways, direction, confidence and taking control of your career. Savannah Lawson, from the National Technician Development Centre, also talked about the unique technician-focused training on offer.
The event had a welcoming and fun atmosphere full of activities to meet colleagues, including a photography competition, garden games, a wonderous feast, and, the highlight for many - axe throwing! Prizes included the Greatest Miss and the Victor of the Day which was won by Cassie Churchwell, who took home her very own Sussex technician axe!
The feedback received from the attendees has been positive, and we hope for even more engagement at our next event, and through our Technician Commitment Working Groups, to make a difference to the culture, environment and lives of our amazing technical staff.
For more information please contact TechnicalServices@sussex.ac.uk