Design & Technology Technician

Design & Technology Technician

Managed by:                     Head of STEAM
Reporting to:                    Head of STEAM

Ditcham Park School

We are a co-educational independent day school for children aged 4 to 16. Situated near Petersfield in the South Downs National Park on a stunning site with spectacular views of the rolling Hampshire hills and south across the Solent to the Isle of Wight we provide a wonderful environment for a child to flourish.

We believe a child learns best and develops self-esteem when they are encouraged in a caring and supportive environment. Our school’s relatively small size creates a genuinely friendly, nurturing environment where ‘every child is known and valued’.

Design & Technology Department

The Design and Technology (D&T) department is based in the ground floor of the purpose-built David Holmes Building. It is a spacious multi-media workshop, providing a full range of facilities for the delivery of all aspects of the D&T curriculum.

Design and Technology lessons focus on pupils solving real-world problems by designing and making, using fabrics, cards and boards, woods, metals, polymers (or ‘plastics’), mechanical and electronic components.

D&T is taught from Year 6 to Year 11. The majority of work carried out in lessons is practical in nature allowing pupils to gain an understanding of the properties of materials and tools to design intelligently. New technologies including CAD design from year 7 onwards and are encouraged to develop these cross-curricular skills further if they choose to take D&T as a GCSE option.

The Role

We are looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic and highly capable Technician to join our team on a part time basis equivalent of 4 days per week, term time plus two weeks over the holiday period, exact working days and hours to be agreed. As the D&T Technician, you will be a crucial part of our school’s D&T department. Your main responsibilities include:

• Maintain equipment, materials, facilities and services
• Ensure daily maintenance duties are completed as specified
• Supporting teachers with setting up practical lessons in Design and Technology.
• Assisting with equipment, tools, and materials organised and maintenance.
• Making sure that students and staff are using machinery and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Giving technical support and guidance to students during hands-on sessions.
• Taking care of inventory and ordering supplies for D&T.
• Making sure our health and safety protocols are followed and regulations are met – working with the HOD to review and update this accordingly.
• Supporting students in using software and technology related to D&T such as 2D design, Inkscape and Onshape
• Order equipment for the department and keep abreast of the current stock.
• Manage the storage of materials and equipment.
• Prepare specialist materials and equipment for use in lessons.
• Assist with reprographics and ICT administration.
• Provide skilled assistance to academic staff in preparation of teaching aids/example products.
• Liaise with cleaners and maintenance staff.
• Have a technical frame of mind and the ability to resolve technical issues.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Skills:

• A strong background in Design and Technology, with relevant qualifications or experience is desirable.
• Knowing your way around D&T equipment and machinery, though training can be provided.
• Familiarity with health and safety procedures in a school setting.
• Great organisational and time management skills.
• Excellent communication and people skills to work with students and staff.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks.
• Creativity and problem-solving skills to help with project development and troubleshooting.

Personal Competencies:

• Excellent organisational skills
• High levels of literacy
• Enthusiasm, energy and a willingness to work collaboratively
• Confident IT skills

What We Offer

As part of our team, you will receive:

• Competitive salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing services
• Training and professional development opportunities

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• School fee remission
• Free lunch

As with all School employees, it is the School’s responsibility to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Child Safeguarding Policy at all times, thus promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons with whom he/she comes into contact.

If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, you become aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School, you must report any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead.

This position is subject to an enhanced DBS certificate in the event of a successful application.

In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 all employees have a duty to look after their own and other’s health and safety. Ditcham Park School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Interviews: w/c 27th April
• Closing Date: Monday 20th April 9am

Agencies need not apply.