The Increasing Prominence of the Engineering Technician in Industry

The utilization of technicians to assume responsibility for certain technical work done by professional engineers is an effective method to improve engineering productivity. However, such utilization in industry has not met earlier expectations and, as a result, there is a lack of public understanding and acceptance of the work of technicians. This paper discusses some reasons for such slow growth and challenges industry to examine present trends as they may affect manpower planning. An illustration of how one company has successfully utilized technicians is presented with some suggestions to insure such success.