2 Studying technology
What is the difference between a technician, a technologist, and an engineer? The main difference is in level of education and training. Engineers have the most advanced training and normally hold university degrees. In everyday contexts, the titles technician and technologist are sometimes used interchangeably, meaning a specialist working in technology below the level of engineer. In training contexts, technologist is normally used for someone at a higher level (usually trained for 2—3 years) than a technician (usually trained for 1—2 years). You can progress from technician to technologist and then to engineer by following courses at colleges and universities. Colleges offer certificates and diplomas (a diploma is a higher level qualification than a certificate). Universities offer degrees.
As an example, in the UK system, most young people who want a career in technology start by studying at a college of further education or university. They would normally follow the route: HNC (Higher National Certificate) —> HND (Higher National Diploma) - B.Eng !bi: end3/ (Bachelor of Engineering degree). Some universities allow students to transfer to a degree course early, after completing only one year of a diploma course.
It is also possible for students to leave school at sixteen and work as apprentices with a company. The company can then release them from work for some time every week to allow them to study at a college. This is called a part-time, day-release or ‘sandwich’ course.
In this unit, there is an example of a student, Alec, who is following an HND diploma course in civil engineering in a college in Scotland. Civil engineers work in the planning and construction of airports, bridges, highways, harbours, etc. The course syllabus includes the following subjects:
• Construction surveying. This teaches how to measure a site, and mark out lines and points from the plans on the ground.
• Construction management. This teaches how to ensure that a building project is completed on time, with the correct materials, within budget, and safely.
• Fluid mechanics. This teaches how liquids and gases move and affect structures. This is important in constructing pipelines and dams.
• Geotechnics. This teaches the mechanical properties of soil and rocks. This is important in constructing tunnels, pipelines, and foundations.
• Complex communications (sometimes called simply communication, or communication skills). This teaches how to communicate on technical matters. Working in technology you need to be able to speak and write effectively to clients, write clear reports, and give oral presentations to colleagues.
• CAD (Computer-assisted design). Surveyors and architects use computer software to help them draw plans and designs.