HETT Competency Framework Overview

The table provides key information for each HETT Band including entry qualification, experience and Professional Registration requirements. The Toolkit contains full details of competencies and duties; some examples are included below.

Assistant Technician

HETT band 1

Assistant Technician

Expected QCF level 3 or previous relevant work experience

Working towards RSciTech or EngTech

Typically an entry level role, possibly by way of an apprenticeship or trainee programme.
The role holder works primarily under supervision and possess the ability to solve simple problems. A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.

Technician

HETT band 2

Technician

Expected QCF level 4 or considerable previous relevant work experience

RSciTech or EngTech

HEA Associate Fellow (if applicable)

Reflecting a higher ability and skill level the role holder can work autonomously and solve complex problems. A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.

Senior Technician

HETT band 3

Senior Technician

Expected QCF level 5 or considerable previous relevant work experience

RSci or REng

HEA Associate Fellow/ Fellow (if applicable)

NEBOSH/IOSH qualification (if applicable)

With a management focus, the role holder possesses the ability to manage and plan work and resources. A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.

Technical Specialist

HETT band 3

Technical Specialist

For example specialism may be:
• Research
• Teaching
• Facilities

Expected QCF level 5 or considerable previous relevant work experience

RSci or REng

HEA Associate Fellow/ Fellow (if applicable)

NEBOSH/IOSH qualification (if applicable)

With focus on a technical specialism, the role holder possesses detailed and highly refined technical skill and knowledge in a particular area. A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.

Technical Manager

HETT band 4

Technical Manager

QCF level 6 or 7 or demonstrable track record with extensive relevant work experience

Working towards CSci or CEng

HEA Fellow (if applicable)

NEBOSH/IOSH qualification

ILM Level 4 – 5

Typically having a wider remit than a Senior Technician, the role holder would operate at a Department or School level leading, managing and planning the work of a large and multi-faceted team. A detailed analysis is presented in the full Toolkit.

Senior Technical Specialist 

HETT band 4

Senior Technical Specialist

QCF level 6 or 7 or demonstrable track record with extensive relevant work experience

Working towards CSci or CEng

HEA Fellow (if applicable)

NEBOSH/IOSH qualification

With focus on a technical specialism, the role holder possesses advanced technical skill and knowledge in a particular area. A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.

Technical Operations Manager

HETT band 5

Technical Operations Manager

QCF level 7 or 8 or demonstrable track record with extensive relevant work experience

Working towards CSci or CEng

HEA Fellow (if applicable)

NEBOSH/IOSH qualification

ILM Level 4 – 5

Typically having a wider remit than a Technical Manager, the role holder would operate at a Faculty or College level leading, managing and planning the work of a number of large and multi-faceted teams. A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.

Head of Technical Services

HETT band 6

Head of Technical Services

Relevant university degree or QCF level 7 or 8 or demonstrable track record with extensive relevant work experience consistent with level of seniority

Working towards CSci or CEng

HEA Fellow + (if applicable)

NEBOSH/IOSH qualification

ILM Level 5 +

Fellow of a Professional Body

This represents the most senior technician role within the institution.  The role holder leads the service and drives university level technician strategic planning.  A full and detailed description is presented in the full Toolkit.