Contents
- ISTC News
- ISTC Community
- Industry news
- Reader submissions
- Upcoming events
- Training courses
- About InfoPlus
ISTC News
ISTC Membership Renewals for 2024
Linda Robins FISTC, ISTC President
Reminder
Renewals for ISTC Members opened on 1 December and payment can be made via the website or by contacting the ISTC office (istc@istc.org.uk).
Members have been sent an email with details and can check the renewals page of the ISTC website.
Reminder of member benefits
- You are part of a vibrant professional community, with member-only discussion forums hosted on the ISTC website. This includes job vacancies.
- You receive four issues of Communicator, in your choice of digital and printed formats.
- You have access to the Communicator archive online (from 2004).
- You are entitled to member rates for Technical Communication UK (our own conference) and are also often able to obtain discounted rates for other technical communication conferences. In addition, members are eligible for a 25% discount on our recently published books.
- Entry-level members can get individual support from our mentoring scheme.
If you are a Member or a Fellow, to provide evidence that you have been accepted into the ISTC at those grades, you can:
- Use the letters MISTC or FISTC after your name (as appropriate)
- Use the Members and Fellows logos on your online profiles and elsewhere (business cards, for example).
If you are an Entry-level or Associate Member, have you considered applying for full Member status?
- We continue to provide a monthly newsletter – InfoPlus that is distributed to both members and non-members, providing industry news, event listings and ISTC updates.
- The UK Technical Communication Awards.
- We are working with universities and other education providers to identify courses and qualifications appropriate for technical communicators at all stages of their careers.
- We support several area groups across the UK.
- We continue to improve the ISTC website, making it both a resource for members and a way of raising the profile of the technical communication profession in general.
- Your membership fee helps the ISTC to nurture, educate and support technical communicators from all areas of specialism. We aim to continue to do this and be even more effective for you and all our members.
UK Technical Communication Awards
Entries are now open for 2024 through the ISTC website: Please check here for details. Then fill out the entry form to nominate yourself, your team or someone else. Go on, you and your team deserve it! If you need any help with your online submission, contact us at istc@istc.org.uk.
Please note for the UK Technical Communication Awards 2024 we are keeping the established guidelines. They are open to any individual or team, whether employed, self-employed, contracting, volunteering, permanent, temporary, full-time, or part-time. We continue to encourage entries of all types, from traditional documentation to those demonstrating technical innovation.
The Communicator awards competition will be held for the fifth successive year. Details will be given in the journal with invitations for readers to vote for their favourite article and column.
Annual Survey
The ISTC Annual Survey covering employment is available for all technical communicators in the UK. The purpose of this survey is to collect data relating to qualifications, experience and pay of technical communicators in the UK.
Please click on the link here to get started.
Do not hesitate or delay. It will take you 10 minutes at most (guaranteed). The deadline for the survey is 29 February 2024.
ISTC Community
Become more involved in the professional community through the ISTC Area Groups, join us online at one of our monthly ISTC Meets events, and find us on social media (links at bottom of page). Members also have access to the ISTC Discussion Forums (login required).
If you wish to start your own Area Group, contact istc@istc.org.uk.
Online meet-up
Open to anyone involved in communication from any location, the Cambridge Area Group hosts a regular, free Zoom meeting. It is the second Thursday of the month at 6pm for approximately 40 minutes. Contact cambridge_areagroup@istc.org.uk for more information.
London Area Group
As reported previously, Dr Vladimir Izmalkov MISTC has taken on the role of organising the new London Area Group. To date, these meetings have been held at the South Bank Centre, but now Vladimir is inviting suggestions for an alternative venue. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 28 February. Please contact Vladimir through the discussion forum for news of the venue.
ISTC Discussion Forums
Just a reminder of some ISTC discussion forums available to members:
Industry News
BBC Sounds (requires free BBC login)
Tech Life: Technology and Mental Health (16 January)
Tech Predictions for 2024 (2 January)
Reader submissions
Harvard Business Review
‘What it takes to give a great presentation.’ (6 January)
Upcoming Events
- 6–7 March 2024 – Nordic TechKomm Stockholm – Stockholm, Sweden
- 11–12 April 2024 – tekom Frühjahrstagung – Freiburg, Germany
- 5–7 November 2024 – tcworld conference 2024 – Stuttgart, Germany
Training Courses
Armada
All courses available either in-class or live online.
February 2024
12-13 AND 19-20 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
Learn how to create and edit vector graphics quickly and effectively, in the leading application for vector graphics. The comprehensive toolset and features available provide everything you need to produce extraordinary graphics for print, video, the web and mobile devices.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£295 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (both dates)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Cardiff training centre (12-13)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Milton Keynes training centre (12-13)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bromsgrove training centre (19-20)
7-8, 19-20, 29-1 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS
Teaches all the key skills needed to use the leading professional software for motion graphics, video compositing and visual effects. Used across all forms of video and screen-based media, After Effects offers a powerful set of tools to deliver stunning visual results.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£345 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (all dates)
£395 + VAT. In-class at our Sheffield training centre (7-8)
£395 + VAT. In-class at our Cardiff training centre (19-20)
£395 + VAT. In-class at our Milton Keynes training centre (29 -1)
12-13 and 29-1 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
Learn how to create and edit images using the de facto standard in the graphics industry. Techniques covered include colour correction, working with layers, compositing images and preparing images for use on the Web.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£295 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (both dates)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bristol training centre (12-13)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bromsgrove training centre (29-1)
5-6, 15-16 and 29-1 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE INDESIGN
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the powerful capabilities of InDesign, including setting up new documents, shapes, frames and using InDesign’s most popular features.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£295 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course
£345 + VAT. In-class at Milton Keynes training centre (5-6)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bristol training centre (15-16)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Cardiff training centre (29-1)
March 2024
4-5, 14-15 AND 21-22 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
Learn how to create and edit vector graphics quickly and effectively, in the leading application for vector graphics. The comprehensive toolset and features available provide everything you need to produce extraordinary graphics for print, video, the web and mobile devices.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£295 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (all dates)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Sheffield training centre (4-5)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Reading training centre (14-15)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bromsgrove training centre (21-22)
4-5, 11-12, 25-26 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE AFTER EFFECTS
Teaches all the key skills needed to use the leading professional software for motion graphics, video compositing and visual effects. Used across all forms of video and screen-based media, After Effects offers a powerful set of tools to deliver stunning visual results.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£345 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (all dates)
£395 + VAT. In-class at our Bromsgrove training centre (4-5)
£395 + VAT. In-class at our Bristol training centre (11-12)
£395 + VAT. In-class at our Reading training centre (25-26)
11-12 and 25-26 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
Learn how to create and edit images using the de facto standard in the graphics industry. Techniques covered include colour correction, working with layers, compositing images and preparing images for use on the Web.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£295 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (both dates)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Sheffield training centre (11-12)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bromsgrove training centre (25-26)
6-7, 21-22 AND 25-26 INTRODUCTION TO ADOBE INDESIGN
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the powerful capabilities of InDesign, including setting up new documents, shapes, frames and using InDesign’s most popular features.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£295 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course (all dates)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Bromsgrove training centre (6-7)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Sheffield training centre (21-22)
£345 + VAT. In-class at Milton Keynes training centre (25-26)
4-8 TECHNICAL AUTHORING TRAINING PROGRAMME
ISTC-accredited programme comprising:
- Introduction to technical authoring (1 day)
- Intermediate technical authoring (2 days)
- Advanced technical authoring (2 days)
Training in core technical authoring skills for new and experienced technical authors.
Attend the complete programme, or just the module(s) relevant to your experience.
Matthew Ellison now hosts this course.
10% discount for ISTC members (coupon code ISTC10).
£1,195 + VAT. Instructor led, live online course
£1,495 + VAT. In-class at Bristol training centre
Cherryleaf
New Course from Cherryleaf
USING GENERATIVE AI IN TECHNICAL WRITING
This online course covers how technical communicators can use Generative Artificial Intelligence to help them:
- Be more efficient.
- Create better deliverables for their users.
We went through all the key stages in a technical writing project. At each step, we investigated whether AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude could make a Technical Writer’s job easier and better. After a lot of research and testing, we ended up with the content for this course.
The course provides a framework that attendees can use to identify opportunities and best practices for integrating ChatGPT, Claude, LLaMA, and similar tools into their technical authoring processes – creating, managing, and delivering technical content.
Find out more at https://www.cherryleaf.com/training-courses/using-generative-ai-in-technical-writing-training-course/
Technical author/technical writer/technical writing e-learning course
https://www.cherryleaf.com/training/technical-author-basicinduction-training-course/
Learn to write like a professional technical communicator. This course teaches you the fundamentals of technical writing, and helps you understand your role as a Technical Author (or similar position).
This technical communication course is accredited by the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators.
Creating Content for User Onboarding
Everything you need to know about onboarding customers onto your product.
https://cherryleaf.teachable.com/p/creating-onboarding-content
Fundamentals of Technical Writing
Learn the fundamentals of technical writing and understand the Technical Author’s role. Course accredited by the ISTC.
https://cherryleaf.teachable.com/p/technical-writer-induction-course
Intermediate/Advanced Technical Writing
You can take one or all of the 12 technical communication training courses in this bundle:
https://cherryleaf.teachable.com/p/advanced-technical-communication/
Creating Screenshots and Images for User Guides
Cherryleaf’s e-learning course on creating screenshots and images for user guides gives you the foundations for creating professional images in an efficient way. The course includes exercises and model answers for delegates to complete and review.
https://www.cherryleaf.com/training-courses/images-course/
New two-course bundles
We offer five bundle options that contain two courses at a discounted price:
- Technical Writing & Screenshots Course Bundle
- Technical Writing & UI Text Course Bundle
- Technical Writing & User Onboarding Course Bundle
- Technical Writing & Copywriting Course Bundle
- Technical Writing and API Documentation
Virtual Classroom Courses
We also offer the following courses in virtual classroom format for organisations:
- Technical writing for developers
- Technical writing for Support staff
- Technical writing fundamentals
- Writing policies and procedures
- Writing financial policies and procedures
For more information, visit Cherryleaf training.
Free technical writing courses
Some free technical writing courses submitted by Mike Mee.
https://developers.google.com/tech-writing/overview
https://github.com/wise4rmgod/TechnicalWriterResources
https://iimskills.com/a-guide-on-technical-writing-and-technical-writing-training/
Let’s Talk ContentOps
ISTC Honorary Fellow, Rahel Bailie, hosts some webinars talking about things that are of interest to technical communicators. Recorded webinars include:
- ContentOps as Part of Product Lifecycle Management
- Let’s Talk Content Operations
- Growing a Customer Support Site Into a ContentOps Pipeline
- Turning Team Pains into Operational Gains
Find out more at https://www.brighttalk.com/search/?q=Rahel+Bailie.
Short-term Training in Technical Communication at Polytechnic University of Porto
You can enrol in individual modules of the Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Communication from the Porto Executive Academy (PEA – ISCAP-P.PORTO).
Most classes take place on Friday evening (18h30 to 21h30) and Saturday morning (9h00 to 13h00).
For additional information, to learn of any calendar changes, and to enrol, contact the Programme Director at alexalb@iscap.ipp.pt some weeks in advance.
Besides the course price, there is an additional enrolment fee of €30 (per academic year) that also covers insurance.
Simplified Technical English
Ana Remígio, Bosch Security Systems.
- Understand the history of the STE specification within the aviation industry and its range of applications.
- Identify the structure and the overall principles and rules of the STE specification Apply the STE principles and rules correctly.
- Have a relevant understanding of the tools available in the market to support the implementation of STE.
- Rewrite texts which are not written in STE to be in conformance with the specification.
12h (4x3h) from 2-Mar to 16-Mar.
€124.62, instructor led, live online course.
About InfoPlus
InfoPlus is your go-to source for staying informed about our profession, featuring news not only from the ISTC but also from across the technical communication community. If you have noteworthy information to share with your peers, please send it my way at newsletter.editor@istc.org.uk. We want to ensure that your news reaches as many people as possible.
Published and distributed on the first working day of each month, InfoPlus occasionally experiences slight delays until the first week of the month. Keep this in mind when submitting time-sensitive information.
Please get the information for the March 2024 edition to newsletter.editor@istc.org.uk. by Monday 19 February 2024.
InfoPlus, the Monthly Newsletter from the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC), is a valuable resource for the largest UK body representing scientific and technical communicators. Whether you are involved in technical writing, technical illustration, or other forms of communicating technical information, ISTC is the professional association dedicated to supporting your career.
Explore the benefits of ISTC membership and find out how to join.
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