Hello everyone,
As we start a new academic year, I’d like to introduce myself and the team working in the labs at the National STEM Learning Centre.
I’m Sarah Atkinson, and I’ve recently joined STEM Learning as the National Technician Lead. Some of you may recognise my name, I’ve delivered sessions at the STEM Centre for several years alongside my full-time role as Senior Technician at Castleford Academy. As they say, a change is as good as a rest, so after more than 20 years in a wonderful science department, I’ve joined an amazing team at STEM Learning. I’m passionate about high-quality training for science technicians and about championing the exceptional work you do in schools and colleges across the country.
Meet the team
Alongside me are:
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Sue – our newest technician, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the labs.
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Jess – supporting delivery and resources across our practical programmes.
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Helen Rose – the steady hand of the department, well known to many of you for her years of dedicated work improving technician training and for her passion for physics.
Together, we support hands-on CPD, keep the labs running smoothly for visiting courses, and develop practical guidance and resources that make a real difference back in your prep rooms and classrooms.
What’s coming up in 2025–26
We’ve planned a strong programme of technician CPD this year, including:
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Three remote Technician Network Meetings – a chance to share good practice, swap solutions, and pick up tips you can apply the next day.
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A course for New and Aspiring Senior Technicians – covering leadership, H&S responsibilities, budgeting, line management, and building efficient systems.
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STEM Technicians Festival 2026 – our flagship, hands-on day celebrating the vital role of technicians with practical workshops, expert speakers, and plenty of take-away ideas.
(Links will be shared via the STEM Community and CPD listings—keep an eye out.)
Don’t miss out on CPD
If your school or trust has taken up the STEM CPD Subscription, you may have unlimited access to scheduled courses, conferences, and network meetings. Busy technicians often miss opportunities simply because they don’t realise they’re covered—so please check what you’re entitled to.
Find out more: https://www.stem.org.uk/cpd-subscriptions
A final word
At the 2025 festival, keynote speaker Maureen Wade told us:
“You are all diamonds. You matter. You are an important part of the school workforce.”
I couldn’t agree more, and, in my humble opinion, you’re an essential part of every outstanding science department.
Stay connected
We’d love to hear from you. Tell us what support would help most, share your successes, and let us know the challenges you’re facing. We look forward to meeting many of you, remotely and face to face, over the coming year. You'll find us in the Technicians group here: https://community.stem.org.uk/communities/community-home?CommunityKey=0076ce99-ab29-4012-8db5-17c15a72e93e
See you soon in a lab, on a network call, or at a festival workshop!
Sarah Atkinson
National Technician Lead, STEM Learning