Design & Technology Technician/Workshop Teaching Assistant

Part-time: 32 hours per week (four days) - Term Time plus two weeks

Design and Technology is a leading Department at KAS. We are committed to making a difference by delivering compelling and exciting learning experiences for young people. The purpose-built D&T block was constructed thirteen years ago and was designed following sustainable design principles. The Department comprises of two fully equipped workshops and two design studios, and a fully working blacksmithing forge.

The Department has three staff (one of whom is part time and who teaches the majority of the Lower School lessons (Reception to Year 5), plus technician team. In addition, the Department includes a part-time Blacksmith who offers D&T activities as part of the Choice programme.

The post principally involves the organising, running and maintaining of the Design and Technology workshops. This will require good organisational skills as well as the ability to use and demonstrate the use of woodwork and metalwork machinery and tools. The department has all the normal tools associated with a wood and metal workshop along with a laser cutter, 3D printer and soon to be 6 axis CNC. 

The post-holder should:

• Have relevant experience in managing workshop equipment, Health and Safety and monitoring budgets.
• Be a skilled designer and maker, with proven knowledge and experience of using both hand tools and machinery.
• Possess relevant experience of managing budgets.
• Have experience working with young people in a formal or informal education setting.
• Desirable – metal work, 3D printing and CAD experience.
• Have strong organisational skills.
• Possess good verbal and written communication skills.

We have excellent benefits which include:

• 26 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.
• Free lunch during term time.
• Contributory Pension Scheme (5% employee contributions, 10% employer contributions) and associated life assurance scheme.
• Termly opportunity to participate in car parking permit scheme.
• Use of School gym facilities.
• Staff CPD.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.

Please see the attached job pack for the details of the duties involved in this role, as well as a person specification of our ideal candidate.

To apply for this role please visit our website and apply via our online Application Form.

Closing date for applications: 6 October 2024

We reserve the right to close the deadline early if we have sufficient applications.

All members of the King Alfred School community are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers, social media checks, and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. However, amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975 (2013) provide that certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account. Guidance and criteria on the filtering of these cautions and convictions can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website or at Unlock.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at The King Alfred School is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.

To read more about King Alfred’s diversity and inclusion statement, please see our DEI statement and KAS Against Racism policy.