Design & Technology Technician

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Design and Technology (DT) Technician to support the DT department at our secondary school. The successful candidate will provide practical support to teachers and students in the classroom and workshops, ensuring a safe, organized, and efficient learning environment. This role is key to helping students develop their technical skills and supporting the delivery of a creative and engaging curriculum.Key Responsibilities:Technical Support:Preparation of Materials: Prepare, set up, and maintain tools, equipment, and materials required for DT lessons, including wood, metal, plastics, and electronics.Classroom and Workshop Assistance: Assist teachers in delivering lessons by preparing practical demonstrations, setting up experiments, and supporting students with hands-on tasks.Maintenance: Maintain and service tools, machinery, and equipment (e.g., 3D printers, laser cutters, lathes, and saws), ensuring everything is in good working order and safety-compliant.Health and Safety: Ensure that all health and safety guidelines are followed, including maintaining a clean and safe working environment, and conducting regular checks on equipment for potential hazards.Inventory Management: Manage stock levels of materials, tools, and consumables, placing orders when necessary and keeping accurate records of stock and usage.Support for Projects: Provide technical assistance to students working on coursework and projects, advising on materials, techniques, and processes.Administrative and General Duties:Resource Management: Organize and maintain storage of materials and equipment, ensuring the workshop is kept tidy and organized.Compliance and Documentation: Maintain up-to-date records of equipment maintenance, risk assessments, and health and safety checks.Classroom Support: Provide in-class support during lessons and practical sessions, especially in larger groups where students may need additional guidance.Assisting with Displays: Help create displays and exhibitions of student work within the school, contributing to a positive and creative learning environment.Essential Requirements:Technical Skills: Knowledge of a range of design and technology tools, machinery, and materials, with a strong understanding of how to maintain and operate workshop equipment.Health and Safety Awareness: Thorough understanding of health and safety procedures in a school workshop setting, including COSHH and risk assessments.Organizational Skills: Ability to manage and organize resources efficiently, keeping the department running smoothly.Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work well as part of a team and to communicate effectively with teachers, students, and other staff members.Problem Solving: Proactive approach to problem-solving, especially in supporting students with practical challenges.Desirable Skills and Qualifications:Previous experience working in a school or educational environment.Relevant qualifications or certifications in a technical, engineering, or design field (e.g., BTEC, City & Guilds, NVQ in a relevant discipline).Experience with 3D printing, laser cutting, CAD software, and other digital manufacturing technologies.First Aid certification or willingness to undertake First Aid training.Working Hours:Full-time or part-time hours during school terms, typically Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility required for after-school events or project deadlines.Benefits:Competitive salary based on experience.Opportunity to work in a creative, hands-on environment.Professional development opportunities and access to training in the latest educational and technological tools.Contribution to the development of students' technical skills and creativity.Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject, to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.