Technicians and engineers

What is the difference between a technician, a technologist, and an engineer?

The main difference is in Ievel 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 hlgher level (usually traine d for 2-3 years) than a technician (usually trained for l-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 universÍty. They would normally followthe route: HNC (Higher National Certificate),  HND (Higher National Diploma), B.Eng /bi: endż/ (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 an apprentice 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.