Course on ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
Train the Trainer Course

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, September 15
Intake: enrollment open until classes are full
Duration: 8 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 trainers to teach the STE principles to trainees to become 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. It also focuses on preparing the teaching materials and training aids, such as presentations, exercises, handouts and other applicable documents.

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.
• Acquire the necessary teaching skills to deliver STE training to other students.

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.
• Be already familiar with the principles and rules of STE by:
  • Having proficiently attended the basic course also available through the UNINETTUNO e-learning platform. The minimum period between the conclusion of the basic course and the train-the-trainer must be 12 months.
  • Having proficiently attended the basic course delivered by one of the STE certified trainers (refer to www.asd-ste100.org).
• Do an admission test to verify their STE level.

Check the study plan

The course is an intensive program that allows candidates to deepen their knowledge through both theoretical and practical lessons on technical writing in an ever-evolving interoperability scenario.

The course consists of a review of the nine video lessons of the basic course and in-depth extension of additional four video lessons specifically designed to acquire professional training skills. The review follows the structure of the STE standard and cover topics ranging from terminology and grammar to various writing forms, including procedural and descriptive writing. They 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.

After this preliminary part dedicated to the review, the course moves into its core phase and develops topics specifically focused on teaching techniques through a series of tasks that candidates must do independently, with proper support from the tutor. These tasks include developing a training strategy, structuring the course, preparing materials, slide presentations, handouts, and exercises.

At the end of the course, the exam will require the candidate to deliver an online training session to the tutor, applying everything learned and prepared during the training process and tasks. The work done and the satisfactory execution of the online session will contribute to the final evaluation, which will be recorded on the certificate.

This certificate will allow the holder to deliver professional STE training to students but will not grant the ability to certify other trainers.

Study plan

Professional Opportunities:

• Certified STE Trainer who can deliver STE certified courses to other students
• 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.

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@uninettunouniversity.net