Course on ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
Basic Course for Technical Writers

In partnership with:

Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe (ASD)
Rue du Trône 100, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
www.asd-europe.org

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English (STE) is a controlled natural language and an international standard to write technical documentation.An official copy of the standard (in PDF format) is available free of charge(www.asd-ste100.org). The courses on STE are the result of a collaboration between the International Telematic University UNINETTUNO and ASD. The courses aims to train qualified professionals in technical writing and effective communication and to certify qualified trainers in delivering reliable STE courses.

Starting dates (2025): March 10, June 9, September 15, November 17
Intake: enrollment open until classes are full
Duration: 4 weeks
Language: English
Mode: online on the UNINETTUNO e-learning platform
Released from: International Telematic University UNINETTUNO

Description

Established in 2014, this course is the result of a business agreement between the International Telematic University UNINETTUNO and ASD which is supported by the Simplified Technical English Maintenance Group (STEMG). The innovative course format includes online activities on the UNINETTUNO e-learning platform, and  distance learning activities for the students. The course aims to train professionals capable of writing highly precise and effective technical texts, applicable to various subject fields or domains, such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, automotive, transport, machinery, medical, and law, and others, at global level. It focuses on a writing style based on the use of STE as a controlled natural language, now elevated to a prestigious international standard.

Learning Objectives

During the course, students will have the opportunity to:

• Understand the content of the writing rules and familiarize themselves with the approved terms of the controlled vocabulary.
• Acquire skills for autonomous technical writing in accordance with this standard.
• Develop the ability to critically assess writing, focusing on the end users of the texts and ensuring their maximum benefit in the communicative context.

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the courses, candidates should:

• Have an excellent command of English, especially in technical contexts related to different fields.
• Have solid experience in technical writing and communication.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the subject matter of the chosen course.

Candidates with an academic degree in the linguistic or technical field may also apply for admission.

Check the study plan

The course is an intensive program that allows students to deepen their knowledge through both theoretical and practical lessons on technical writing in an ever-evolving interoperability scenario.
The course consists of nine video lessons that follow the structure of the STE standard and cover topics ranging from terminology and grammar to various writing forms, including procedural and descriptive writing. The course also addresses safety instructions, punctuation, writing practices, and recommendations for achieving clear, modern, and inclusive language.
At the end of each lesson, students can download the related exercises from the platform, complete them, and submit them to the tutor for correction before proceeding to the next lesson. Learning from mistakes is essential to avoid repeating them.
At the end of the learning path, there will be a written examination consisting of exercises similar to those from previous lessons. The exam, along with the assessments of past exercises, will contribute to the final evaluation, which will be recorded on the certificate.

Study plan

Professional Opportunities:

• Technical Writer (freelance or in-house)
• Technical Communicator
• Text Quality Control and Proofreader
• Coordinator of Other Writers

The Team

Prof.ssa Daniela Zambrini
Daniela Zambrini worked in the airline industry for 30 years and has been a freelance translator and editor for over 20 years. She specializes in aviation, defense, and logistics. She earned a degree in Foreign Languages and a Master’s in Specialized Translation. Since 2014, she has been an Associate Expert of the ASD STEMG, contributing to the development of the ASD-STE100 standard. Daniela is a Certified Trainer for STE and an active participant in the technical communication and translator communities. She is a member of ATII, ATA, and AIAA. She also serves on the COM&TEC board.

Prof. Orlando Chiarello

Orlando Chiarello is the Product Support manager of Secondo Mona, an aerospace system manufacturer, located in Italy. He is responsible for product support services, including maintenance manuals. Orlando is the Chairperson of the ASD Simplified Technical English Maintenance Group (STEMG), responsible for the development and maintenance of the ASD-STE100, Simplified Technical English Specification. His involvement in STE started back in 1983 at the very beginning of the project. He is a member of several national and international groups, and a member of COM&TEC.

The STEMG

The STEMG is responsible for the development, production, publication, maintenance, and management of ASD-STE100.
The group primarily includes experts from ASD countries, along with an international team of experts from countries that are not members of ASD. There are also national and multi-country STE Support Teams (STEST) that assist the STEMG in its work.

Contacts

For more information, costs, required documentation, and enrollment timelines, please contact:

Marianna Leonetti

tel: +39 06 692076.70 | +39 06 692076.71

mail: stecourse@uninettuniversity.net