Spotlight on the D&T Excellence Awards
Published 2nd March 2026
Celebrating past winners - Why D&T technicians make a difference
Charlie Wicks, technician at Hethersett Academy, is a shining example of the incredible impact D&T technicians have on schools. Winner of the 2025 Nook Pods Excellence Award for Inspirational Support Staff within D&T, Charlie has become an integral member of a thriving department.
Starting at just 18 with no prior D&T experience, Charlie has grown alongside the department, now working in a team of nine teachers across nine rooms. “I can’t imagine myself anywhere else,” she says. “I love seeing students succeed and recognising when they’ve achieved something amazing.”
Turning innovation into learning opportunities
Charlie’s work goes beyond preparation and maintenance of machines. She supports practical and CAD lessons, leads one-to-one sessions with GCSE students, and develops new processes such as recycling acrylic, HDPE, and HIPS. By transforming offcuts into custom-made sheets, she reduces waste, saves costs, and gives students unique materials for their projects. These hands-on experiences help students build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills.
Supporting teachers and students alike
Technicians like Charlie play a crucial role in supporting teachers, helping plan projects, test materials, and ensure lessons run smoothly. They also provide targeted support for vulnerable students, enabling those who struggle to engage with school to achieve their D&T qualifications. Charlie recalls helping a school refuser gain the confidence to attend sessions, complete their GCSE, and celebrate their success.
Celebrating past winners of the Nook Pods Excellence Award for Inspirational Support Staff within D&T highlights the transformative work technicians do in schools. Their dedication not only keeps departments running but enriches students’ experiences, sparks creativity, and opens doors to future careers in design & technology. For teachers, recognising this contribution is a reminder of the teamwork and innovation that makes practical learning thrive.
Teachers can access the PDF version of this article, featured in DT Practice 1 2026 below and download their digital copy of the magazine here.
