Hi Techman,
I have quite strong views on the subject of technician training, I believe that the MoD training scheme is one that shoiuld be emulated by the NHS. All of their technicians have a minimum academic qual of ONC/tec Cert, they then undergo a 4/5 month long generic training course, similar to the new (level 3)training prospectus at eastwood park. Then if sucessful they are for the first time allowed into the EBME department (MDSS in MoD speak). This is then followed up with specific device training. It has changed somewhat over recent years but this is generally the format.
NHS Training for newbie techs mapped to the 'new occupational standards set at level 3' would be the ideal building block prior to any subsequent specific device training. This type of training is now called for within MHRA/MDA DB 2006.
There is unfortunatly one big problem of course and why Chief Excec's get away with it? There is no legal necessity, you simply don't have to do it. If there was, your NHS budget for training would suddenly increase ten fold.
soapbox away...
