Technical Communication

Got the write stuff? Perhaps your future lies in a career as a technical author …

What is technical communication?

Technical communication is a field with various titles, such as technical writer, technical editor, and technical author. These professionals, many of whom come from a technical or engineering background, create and design a wide range of materials. These include user guides, technical leaflets, safety manuals, and other documents used across commercial, industrial, and defence sectors, including internal military publications. Their expertise allows them to present complex information in a form easily understood by the end user. They can be found working in diverse sectors, from manufacturing and finance to software development and government agencies.

For veterans transitioning from the armed forces, this field offers a unique opportunity to leverage their technical knowledge and experience. In today’s digital age, technical documents, publications, and manuals are often available online, allowing for constant updates and global access. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are increasingly taking on the responsibility for the whole-life maintenance of products, providing up-to-date information to all parties involved. Furthermore, as products are released globally, there’s a growing need for documentation to be translated into various languages, adapted to different cultures, and customised in terms of menus and functions. This aspect of technical communication can be particularly relevant for veterans who have served in international deployments and are familiar with cross-cultural communication.

Transferable skills

Military service involves the use of a wide range of equipment, each requiring documentation at various levels - from the operator to the maintenance personnel. This extends beyond equipment manuals to include guides on tactics, training, doctrine, policy, and a wealth of educational literature. All these materials necessitate technical communication skills. Thus, many service members are already practiced in the art of simplifying complex ideas for easy understanding.

Moreover, veterans often bring additional skills that may not be immediately apparent but are highly valuable in technical communication. For instance, language skills and international experience gained from deployments in different countries and cultures can be a significant advantage. This global perspective can be particularly beneficial when working with equipment or systems that require manuals and documentation, especially when these are similar to those used in the military. These transferable skills make veterans uniquely suited for roles in technical communication.

How do I qualify to work as a technical communicator?

The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) recognises a range of courses in technical communication offered by various institutions. Generally, there are three types of courses to consider: 

Technical Communication Training Courses: These are ISTC-accredited courses that offer specialised training in technical communication. Some of the currently recognised courses include the Armada Technical Author Training Programme and the Cherryleaf Technical Author/Technical Writer/Technical Writing Training Course, among others. 

Courses from Higher Education Institutions: These are courses provided by universities and other higher education institutions, often in related fields. Institutions such as the University of Limerick and the Polytechnic University of Porto offer such courses.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Courses: These courses are designed to help professionals enhance their skills and knowledge in their field of work. 

In addition to these, there are specific training courses available for subjects like copywriting, web design, and technical communication. Many of these courses offer distance learning options, providing flexibility for working professionals.

The ISTC also promotes many other courses in its free monthly online newsletter, InfoPlus. You can find the latest issue online and subscribe to receive a copy via email.

Use your ELC

Under the ELC scheme, a wide range of learning can be taken, provided it is offered by an approved provider listed on the ELCAS website and is at level 3 or above. For full details of how to make the most of your ELC, refer to the in-depth features elsewhere on this website.

Finding a job

Technical communicators can find employment in various sectors, including manufacturers or specialist technical publications companies. These roles can be full-time, part-time, or contract-based, with some agencies providing staff to work on a client’s premises. For veterans transitioning from the armed forces, these options offer flexibility and the opportunity to apply their unique skills. Some individuals choose to work freelance, taking full responsibility for finding work and reaping the rewards. However, it’s advisable to gain several years of experience in an employed role before considering this path.

Industries such as IT, financial services, aviation, and engineering heavily rely on technical communication. These industries often value employees who have specific industry knowledge, supplemented by formal training in technical communication - a profile many veterans fit. However, formal qualifications should not be a deterrent to pursuing a career in technical communication. The key requirement is the ability to understand the product and convey information in clear, straightforward language - a skill many veterans develop during their service. Typically, there is guidance available for newcomers to help them become familiar with document specifications and software.

TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION APPRENTICESHIPS
There are several information communications technician apprenticeships on offer, either direct with companies or on courses such as Solihull College & University Centre’s part-time level 3 Information Communications Technician Apprenticeship.
To uncover more options, use your favourite search engine to have a browse.

What’s the pay like?

In the UK, the compensation for technical communicators can greatly differ based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and the employer. As of 2024, the average annual salary for a Communications Technician is approximately £27,615. However, those with more experience in the field can expect to earn up to £39,003 per year.

Freelance technical communicators have the flexibility to charge on an hourly basis or per project. The median daily rate for a Technical Writer in the UK stands at £400. Independent IT consultants have hourly rates that range from £25 to £150, with the average rate around £55 per hour. Those considering freelance work are advised to conduct thorough research on rates in their specific area and field to ensure they offer competitive pricing.