Senior Design, Technology & Engineering Technician/Teaching Assistant

The main focus of this role is to provide support to teachers (in the preparation of resources for lessons and in the classroom), to support students (in small groups or on a one to one basis during practical activities and with projects) and to support after school clubs. Adhering to all relevant H&S legislation and general maintenance of equipment and resources are integral to the role.

Applicants should be academically well qualified in their field, be able to inspire academically-minded, intelligent pupils with an enthusiasm for technological processes, invention and innovation and be very much a team player. Additionally, experience in, or a feeling for engineering, electronics or computer science would be an advantage, as would an enthusiasm for hands-on design and technological projects. The person appointed will be required to assist with the day to day running of the department and support with lessons. The main focus of the role will be supporting lessons for Key Stages 3 to 5, but support will also be provided for Key Stages 1 and 2 when needed.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The position will provide effective support across the Design Technology & Engineering Department. Typical duties include:

Daily Preparation

• Maintaining the teaching areas, stockroom and preparation areas to ensure a clean, safe and orderly environment.
• Checking the safety of machinery and other equipment (checking that it is functioning correctly and replacing broken blades, checking guards, speed of drills and lathes etc.).
• Checking that ICT equipment is working, network printers are functioning and have sufficient ink and paper.
• Generally correcting and reporting on any shortfall in cleaning or maintenance issue

Lesson Preparation

• Referring to the timetable, scheme of work or liaising with teachers as appropriate.
• Preparing rooms and materials for lessons, demonstrations, displays, exhibitions and examinations.
• Designing and constructing models, teaching aids and apparatus.
• Preparing and placing the relevant materials, tools and equipment (e.g. battery drills, hot glue guns, soldering irons, power supplies, test equipment etc.).
• If indicated in the scheme of work, pressurising the compressor and checking outlets for leaks.
• General administrative support including photocopying of resources.

During Lessons

• During lessons assist the teachers as appropriate with the general instruction, care, and supervision of the pupils.
• Advising pupils on economic and effective use of materials and safe practice on machinery.
• When machinery is in use, the Technician’s prime focus is to supervise the use of machinery and advise pupils on safe and effective techniques while the teacher is conducting the lesson. Machines will need adjustment and repair during use in lessons and most require constant supervision (e.g. chuck keys left in, soldering irons not replaced in stands, etc.)

Educational Visits & After school activities

• Assisting in the supervision of pupils on external visits.
• Assisting in the Engineering, Automobile and Robotics club for pupils after school.

Maintenance & Improvements

• Ensuring regular cleaning, checks and maintenance is carried out for all machinery and tools.
• Being responsible for liaison with the relevant departments regarding storage facilities, day to day repairs and the ordering of cleaning materials.
• Assisting with proposals for the maintenance and development of the department, suggesting improved practices and procedures for the workshop.

Budget, Ordering & Expenditure

• Regularly carrying our stock control audits.
• Ordering equipment and materials as directed by the Head of Department.
• Organising storage and dispensing of materials to pupils.
• Checking invoices and passing to the Bursary for payment.
• Maintaining records of suppliers and expenditure and assisting in the preparation of estimates for the annual budget.

Health & Safety

• Ensuring a safe working environment for pupils and staff.
• Keeping up to date with safety legislation and carrying out regular safety checks.
• Exercising vigilance towards pupils especially in matters of Health and Safety.
• Alerting the Head of Department to any issues of safety within the department.
• The Technician must be familiar with and adhere to the safety rules of the workshop and the School as outlined in BS4163 and the risk assessments for the department and must be willing to attend safety training courses as deemed necessary by the Head of Department.

Training and Development

• The Technician must attend computer training and other relevant courses as required to adapt to the changing demands of the curriculum.

These duties and responsibilities are intended as a guide. They are not exhaustive: the Design Technology & Engineering Technician will be expected to undertake any reasonable task or responsibility as required by the Director of Design Technology & Engineering.