DT Technician

Westfield Academy, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD18 6NS

16 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Asap

• Closing date

  28 March 2025 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  19 February 2025

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time, full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: £21,968.00 - £23,194.00 Annually (FTE) Pro rata for hours and weeks worked

DT Technician job summary

Job description

Job title:	DT Technician
Grade:	Grade: H4 Scale point range: points 6-9 Salary Range: £21,968-£23,194 (FTE)
Hours / weeks:	32.5 hours / week, term time only plus INSET (39 weeks)
Start date:	Asap
Contract type:	Permanent
Reports to:	Curriculum Lead - DT

The post

We are looking for a motivated and flexible individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You will play a key role in the Design and Technology department with a range of responsibilities. We believe that fostering and investing in our people is key, that's why as a DT technician you will be given the opportunity to develop; whether that's through new skills, additional responsibilities or career progression. We are committed to helping you achieve your career goals. Your dedication and hard work will be recognized and rewarded at Westfield Academy.

As part of your benefits package, the post comes with the opportunity to progress through the teaching training route with Westfield providing not only time but financial support.

Job purpose

• To support DT teachers in preparing for lessons and practicals.

• To support students during their DT lessons and practicals.

• To contribute to the overall ethos, work and aims of the Academy.

Main responsibilities

• Liaise with the Lead of DT / Head of Faculty at all times.

• Maintaining all equipment where possible (i.e., lathes, mills, brazing hearth, pillar drills, all types of saws, grinder, buffer, planer, linisher, all and tools and power tools, CAD / CAM router, midimills, laser cutter, vinyl cutter and PCB lab).

• Checking the condition of equipment and stock of materials on a regular basis.

• Ensuring that Health & Safety regulations are adhered to by checking use and condition of machines / equipment / workshops / safe handling / storage / correct disposal of materials / chemicals.

• Preparing materials for all Product Design classes (KS3, KS4 & KS5).

• Desirable skills using CAD software would be an advantage – Google Sketch up, Solid Works and On Shape.

• Desirable CAM skills - 3d printer, cnc machines, laser cutter etc.

• Assisting teachers with KS3, KS4 and KS5 Product Design classes.

• Advising and assisting teachers with the practical aspects of subjects.Taking initiative in organising the workshop, maintaining an efficient workspace, and suggesting improvements where needed.

• Assisting GCSE and A-Level students with project work.Actively guiding students on safe tool use, material selection, and problem-solving techniques to build their confidence and capability.

• Designing product for projects and building equipment for STEM activities (where applicable).Supporting the use of new technologies and recommending emerging equipment/software that could enhance student learning.

• Assisting with displays, student showcases, and events to help promote the subject and celebrate student work.

• Ordering all faculty equipment / materials through a centralised computerised stock list, including updating stock list and sourcing most cost effective suppliers.

• Ensuring that all equipment is returned after classes and that workshops are tidy and tools are safely locked away.

• Ensuring that all apparatus and equipment is maintained to a safe and appropriate standard.Emphasising the responsible management of materials to minimise waste and align with sustainability initiatives in the department.

• Carrying out minor repairs and making the Head of Faculty or Lead in DT aware if more complex repairs need to be done.

• Giving technical and Health & Safety advice to teachers and students.

• Carrying out risk assessments for technician, teachers & student activities.

• Assisting in practical classes & carrying out demonstrations.

• Ensuring that the deadlines are met when assisting manufacturing for coursework.

• Invigilation as and when necessary.

Other

• To undertake First Aid duties where applicable.

• Attending Academy INSET sessions, events, and meetings as required.

• To ensure a safe and tidy working environment is maintained at all times.

• To contribute to and support the overall aims and ethos of the Academy.

• To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures, relating to child protection, safeguarding, pastoral issues, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection – reporting all concerns to the appropriate person.

• It should be noted that the above list of principal duties and responsibilities is not necessarily a complete statement. Alterations and further duties may be necessary and will be subject to consultation. The post hold is expected to accept any reasonable changes to his / her job description.

• The post holder is expected to be able to adapt his / her work to address the specific needs of the pupils.

The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. This role will be reviewed annually as part of the performance appraisal process and the post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.

Westfield Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Children and Young people. To meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Person specification

Attributes	Essential (or expected to train / qualify to that standard)	Desirable (or expected to train/qualify to that standard)
General	Polite & courteous Confidentiality, probity & integrity Excellent time management Strong verbal & written communication skills Proactive
Qualifications & training	5 GCSEs or equivalent Experience in relevant discipline or related qualification	Desire to do NQT in 2-3 years time frame and opportunities for CPD to stay updated on safety regulations and industry advancements.
Relevant experience	Experience of working in a school setting Experience of working in a workshop environment Experience of working with young people Proven track record of working within a team Excellent IT skills (Google, email, internet, etc) Knowledge of MIS database Flexible working and ability to multitask Understanding and sensitive to others	CAD software – Google Sketch Up, Solid Works & On Shape CAM - 3D printer, Laser cutter, CNC machinery
Knowledge, skills & abilities	Ability to prioritise effectively Ability to relate to people on all levels Work constructively as part of a team, understanding school roles & responsibilities and your own position within these Ability to identify own and others’ training & development needs & cooperate with appropriate individuals to address these Ability to relate well to children and adults Good organisation and personal management skills Understanding health, safety & welfare regulations and best practice Knowledge of particular subject / technical area Knowledge of relevant policies / codes of practice / legislation Ability and enthusiasm to work jointly with colleagues
Personal qualities	Willingness to work flexibly when required Strong people skills, fair-minded and able to communicate well to a variety of audiences Team player, willing to share in key decision making

Commitment to safeguarding

Westfield Academy and it's Trust Board fully recognise that they have a duty of care to ensure arrangements are in place for safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of children. We recognise that all members of the school community, including volunteers and Trustees, will at all times play a full and active part in protecting our students from harm.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs are not accepted.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

About Westfield Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 11 to 18
• Education phase: Secondary
• School size: 1341 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 11 to 18
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Westfield Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/westfield-academy

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Westfield Academy. We are an over-subscribed, high-performing, non-selective Academy. We have been a consistently "Good" OFSTED school since 2012, with our most recent inspection being December 2019. During my time as Headteacher, our students have consistently achieved some of the best exam results in South West Herts.

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