I’m mulling over the idea of assisting some young person or other in starting out in a career as a medical equipment engineering technician. But being a bit out of date myself, I need to do some research first. Hence I have a pile of questions.

I have no particular student in mind at present, but imagine a youngster from a "person in need" kind of background, if you catch my drift (someone who otherwise would not have the opportunity to pursue this kind of career).

I have in mind a "vocational" approach, gaining a placement in a hospital biomed workshop (or succession of workshops), moving towards an ONC level of electronics education. Moreover, and importantly, I would hope to enlist the help of the various greybeards and pipe-smokers out there (with some free time on their hands, perhaps) to engage in a bit of mentoring and hands-on instruction from time to time.

1) Does anybody else feel the need to get involved in this sort of thing?
2) Any idea how much such a scheme might cost, and what its duration could be?
3) Where are suitable training courses available these days? Is City & Guilds 224 (Electronic Servicing) still around? If not, should we set up our own (similar course)?
4) How would we select the student? Anybody already know of a keen youngster in need of this kind of help?
5) Should this be something that we could all (ie, this forum) be involved in?
6) Any sponsors willing to support the idea?

All comments, criticisms, feedback and suggestions are most welcome, as always. smile

Last edited by Geoff Hannis; 17/02/08 9:50 AM. Reason: Something to believe in.

If you don't inspect ... don't expect.