Technician Shadowing Scheme

Shadowing under the Technician Shadowing Scheme is for a short, defined period, ranging from half a day to up to two days. This does not have to be in one continuous block and could take the form of several shorter sessions. The duration and format will depend on what you are hoping to experience and your host’s availability. The main types of shadowing, helpfully defined by Prospects, are:

• Observation – Observing your host as they undertake their typical, day-to-day duties, allowing you to understand ‘a day in the life’ in this type of role.
• Regular briefings - Shadowing your host for short bursts over a defined period (e.g., to see specific techniques, equipment or interactions that are of particular interest to you).
• Hands-on – Carrying out a task(s) that you have been observing under the close supervision of the host (e.g. a particular skill or technique). This type of shadowing is not always practical or possible.

1. First, identify the type of role, activity, or facility you would like to shadow, and consider what you would like to get from the experience. For example, do you want to observe a specific technique or process? Learn about a particular type of role? Or connect with your equivalent in a different department to share best practice?
2. Discuss shadowing with your line manager. You will need their approval to spend some time away from your role, and they may have some helpful insights about roles or departments that would be useful for you to visit.
3. Complete the online Technician Shadowing Scheme Request Form.
4. Learning and Talent will review your request and, with input from the Technician Commitment Steering Group as required, will endeavour to match you to a suitable host.
5. Once you are connected to your host, you will agree, between you, a mutually convenient date/time(s) for the shadowing to take place.
6. The shadowing will take place.
7. You and your host should complete the Technician Shadowing Feedback Form (coming soon) to confirm that the shadowing has happened and to share your feedback on the experience.

The technician who is shadowing should:

• Provide as much detail as possible about what you are hoping to experience – this will help your host to plan your visit
• Ensure that your line manager and colleagues are aware of the dates you have agreed with your host, and that anything critical is being covered in your absence.
• Be punctual and respectful of your host’s time.
• Be mindful that urgent tasks or situations could arise for your host during your visit, and that you may need to be flexible and prepared for interruptions.
• As appropriate, maintain confidentiality about anything sensitive that you might observe during the shadowing.
• Share the learning from your visit with your line manager and colleagues.
• Provide feedback on your experience.

The technician who is hosting should:

• If required, seek approval to host a visitor in your facility.
• As applicable, undertake a risk assessment and arrange access and PPE.
• On the day of the first visit, conduct a short safety induction to the facility and introduce colleagues.
• Where possible, provide opportunities for your visitor to observe the things they are hoping to see/experience.
• Be open to answering questions about your role, your team and the way you work, as this will provide invaluable insight to your visitor.
• Provide feedback on your experience.
• Consider making a return visit to your visitor’s facility!