New solutions and ideas are being developed by the Research England funded Career Pathways Action Group to drive innovation in career development for technical professionals in higher education and research.
Comprised of 24 UK higher education organisations – each represented by a technical expert and an HR or Learning & Development lead – the group provides a unique platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing across the sector.
The group, established by the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy, has collectively identified key challenges faced by technicians and begun action projects to improve career pathways and opportunities for technical staff.
These projects focus on several critical areas, including:
- Apprenticeships: Enhancing apprenticeship opportunities to attract and develop new talent.
- Succession Planning: Ensuring the technical workforce is equipped for future needs.
- Mapping and Defining the Workforce: Gaining a deeper understanding of the technical workforce to support strategic planning.
- Career Pathway Toolkits: Developing resources to help technical staff navigate career progression and promotional opportunities.
- Career Development: Strengthening support for technicians’ professional growth.
- Cultural Change: Shifting organisational mindsets to prioritise career development for technical staff.
- Rebranding Technical Careers: Raising the profile of technical roles to attract and retain diverse talent.
By tackling these areas, the Career Pathways Action Group aims to reimagine and redefine technical career pathways, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of both individuals and institutions.
Sarah Allen, Technical Career Pathways Lead for the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy said:
“By uniting technical experts and HR professionals, we’re creating an unique opportunity to rethink technical career pathways. Our projects will help address some of the most pressing challenges while showcasing the incredible value technicians bring to their institutions. We’re excited to share the group’s progress and insights with the wider sector over the coming months.
“The collaborative approach taken by the group ensures that findings and resources will be shared. As projects set to conclude by April 2026, the group plans to provide regular updates as the work progresses. These updates will highlight best practices, emerging solutions, and lessons learned, offering valuable insights for organisations seeking to enhance their technical workforce strategies.”
Learn more about the Technical Career Pathways Lab, which is part of the Community and Practice Hub.
Find out which organisations are in the Career Pathways Action Group.