Design & Technology Technician/Workshop Teaching Assistant - ref. u616203
32 hours per week (four days) with the possibility of full time • Term Time plus two weeks
The Design and Technology Department 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 supporting the teaching of Design and Technology across the Lower and Upper School. There has historically been a strong emphasis on design which is taught mostly through resistant materials. But in recent years this has expanded out to include textiles and jewellery with one workshop fully equipped for jewellery making.There is a growing interest in the department in sustainable and inclusive design as well as developing a full experience of craft and manufacture from primitive crafts to 3D printing.
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.
- Have experience working with young people in a formal or informal education setting.
- Have strong organisational skills.
- Possess good verbal and written communication skills.
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.
We have excellent benefits which include:
- 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.
If you share our vision and are a reflective, hard-working, and forward-thinking professional, we would very much like to hear from you.
To apply for this role please visit our website and apply using our online Application Form.
We are seeking to enhance the diversity of our staff and student body and would therefore particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in our school community, especially those from the global majority.
Closing date for applications: midnight on Sunday 1 June 2025
To read more about King Alfred’s diversity and inclusion statement, please see our DEI statement and KAS Against Racism policy.
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 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 conviction can be found on the Disclosure and Barring Service website or at Unlock.