We are actively exploring technician career pathways at Edinburgh as part of our third Technician Commitment Action Plan. Our technician career pathways visionBuilt on the findings of the technician-led Career Pathways Short-Life Working Group’s work, reflections on best practice across the sector, and aligning with the University's strategy, the below is the vision statement for technician career pathways at the University of Edinburgh. It is aspirational, written in line with what the University will achieve as the work progresses. Technical staff at the University of Edinburgh have clear, documented career pathways ensuring equitable pay, benefits and working conditions across the technical job family, providing opportunities for personal and professional development that support both individual and organisational achievement.Pathways provide opportunities for development and progression within management, research, and teaching tracks and recognise that many roles combine elements of all three.Our career pathways framework is bold and ambitious, built on sector best practice, and providing:Clarity and uniformity in job titles, descriptions and expected competencies across grades, from apprentice level through to senior technical professionals.A well-defined career structure, with multiple entry points.Appropriate performance metrics that ensure best practice and personal achievement are effectively recognised both formally and informally.In developing our career pathways in this way, the framework helps the University to attract and retain the world’s best technical talent and ensure we maintain our reputation as an excellent place to work. Next stepsThe Technician Steering Committee will be standing up a new working group to take things forward, with a view to implementing career pathways as part of our fourth Action Plan (2027-29).Visit the Technician Hub SharePoint for more informationOr email us to get involved:Technician.Network@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2026-02-08
