Chapter 1: The Importance of Outreach

Outreach can evoke different feelings, ranging from pride to anxiety. As a university, we bear a civic responsibility to connect with our local community and showcase the realities of higher education. I firmly believe in the transformative potential of higher education; it can significantly enhance lives. While it's not the ideal path for everyone, for those who resonate with it, university years can be incredibly rewarding. In this journey, technical staff play a crucial role. We are on the frontlines of higher education, interacting with students and shaping their experiences. Every colleague at my institution is dedicated to their work, but technicians often act like magicians, turning students’ ideas into tangible outcomes—whether that’s art, lab experiments, fieldwork, or intricate machinery.

When you mention you’re a technician, many conjure an image of someone with grease-stained hands working inside complex machinery or in a sterile laboratory. Most of us operate behind the scenes, as we are not the public faces of the university. This phenomenon extends across various sectors, from healthcare technicians in hospitals to those scaling heights to repair wind turbines or color-grading films in studios. Interestingly, there's also a notable shortage of technical staff. Few of us chose this career path intentionally; many of us stumbled into it. The challenge lies in inspiring young people to pursue technical careers intentionally rather than by chance. How can we change this narrative?

The Science Museum, established in 1857 to display remnants from the Great Exhibition, attracts over three million visitors each year, making it one of London's premier tourist destinations. In 1919, it relocated to Exhibition Road, adjacent to the Natural History Museum. The museum features remarkable artifacts, including the Apollo X landing capsule that orbited the moon and interactive exhibits for children to understand concepts like friction using AstroTurf and polished maple slides. As a pivotal institution for science and education in the UK, the museum holds a unique responsibility to the sector. In 2020, Lord David Sainsbury, a noted philanthropist and current Chancellor of Cambridge University, pledged to fund a new exhibition dedicated to the often-overlooked contributions of technical staff across various fields. Consequently, the Technicians: The David Sainsbury Gallery opened in late 2022, marking the first exhibition he personally endorsed, underscoring the significance of technical work.

This gallery not only welcomes curious visitors but also hosts frequent school groups, primarily ages 11–16. It features interactive displays that highlight the essential work of technicians and the skills they employ daily. To support these school visits, the Science Museum has recruited a growing team of volunteer technicians who dedicate their time to facilitating engaging workshops for young learners, centered around their professional experiences and skills.

Chapter 2: A Personal Journey in Volunteering

In just under two years, I've been involved with the Technicians Gallery. When the opportunity arose for institutions nationwide to participate in a long-term project at the Science Museum, I, a former teacher experienced in working with youth, eagerly joined. My colleagues from institutions like Manchester Met, Imperial College, Nottingham Trent, UCL, and the NHS became part of this initiative. When we first gathered for recruitment in early 2022, the exhibition space was merely an empty area with some initial ideas. We engaged in an intensive training program spanning 12 sessions, during which we exchanged ideas, acquired knowledge, and learned how to effectively interact with young audiences. Initially, I believed this would be straightforward, but I quickly discovered I had to unlearn many teaching methods. Each of us developed a 25-minute workshop designed to showcase our skills, employing inclusive language and ensuring the materials could be easily transported.

We were the inaugural group of technicians to undergo this training, with previous volunteers having tested the program. We formed a close-knit team, often bonding over extensive training sessions and shared meals. It felt reminiscent of university life, forging connections that have lasted beyond the training. I highly recommend this experience to anyone considering volunteering, though I've heard the program has since been streamlined to six sessions, with fewer pizza breaks.

My workshop draws inspiration from games I played with my children. When they were younger, my sons loved building with Lego, particularly the colorful Duplo bricks. We would create towering structures only to knock them down. As a technician in a Construction Laboratory, I found this idea perfect for engaging teens—challenging them to construct the tallest tower, then redesign it to withstand a simulated earthquake, reflecting the real-world challenges we face, rather than my initial notion of an inflatable Godzilla. I've since conducted this workshop, The Great Brickish Quake-Off, numerous times, introducing myself and diving right into the activity before discussing problem-solving skills and technical careers.

In 2023, the Royal Society honored over 100 technicians involved in developing the gallery and delivering activities with the prestigious Hawksbee Award. Outreach can be intimidating for many of us. Engaging with a lively teenage audience often feels daunting, but I wholeheartedly recommend it. Discussing my role reminds me of how fortunate we are as technicians, with each week presenting new challenges and experiences. This training has significantly enhanced my presentation skills, and connecting with fellow technicians has highlighted the collective challenges faced across different institutions. Plus, having a Science Museum volunteer ID badge grants free access to many paid exhibits and attractions—have you seen the admission price for Kew Gardens?

The first video titled "Curatorial Reflections" features Dr. Tim Boon from the Science Museum Group, offering insights into the role of curators and the importance of their work in shaping public understanding of science.

The second video, "HVG Masterclass: Engaging New Audiences in Volunteering," discusses strategies for attracting young people to volunteer opportunities, emphasizing the impact of hands-on experiences.