Thanks to those who have answered so far. I think I will go with the idea that perhaps a practical exercise of some kind combined with the school's own "tests" (apparently psychometric?) will go a long way. I agree with the sentiments about pay; it's unfortunate that pay levels aren't high enough to sustain a good sert of technicians (especially the ones with family- I found it particularly hard on this wage level). You tend to get the "less experienced/skilled" ICT Technician this way, but we'll give it a shot!