DT Technician | Secondary School | Tower Hamlets

Design & Technology (DT) Technician Location: Tower Hamlets Ofsted Rating: Outstanding School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational) Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only + 1 Week (36 hours per week) An Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ secondary school and Sixth Form in the vibrant Inner London Borough of Tower Hamlets is seeking a practical, safety-conscious, and technical Design & Technology Technician to join their dynamic D&T and Engineering faculty. This is an exceptional opportunity for a technical specialist, whether an experienced workshop technician, a university design/engineering graduate, or a skilled maker from an industrial/creative background, to play a hands-on role in facilitating innovative design, prototyping, and material fabrication in a modern educational environment. About the Role As a Design & Technology Technician, you will be the operational cornerstone of the workshop suites. Working closely with specialist D&T teachers, you will manage machinery maintenance, prepare raw materials (timber, metals, polymers, and graphics media), ensure workshop health and safety compliance, and assist students across Key Stages 3, 4 (GCSE D&T / Engineering), and 5 (A-Level / BTEC Product Design) as they translate creative concepts into tangible prototypes. Start Date: Immediate or upcoming term Environment: A flagship Inner London secondary school celebrated for academic innovation, high progress scores, and state-of-the-art design suites equipped with traditional wood/metal machinery, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CAD/CAM software Culture: A collaborative, practical, and safety-focused team where creativity, craftsmanship, and technical curiosity are championed Key Responsibilities Workshop Preparation & Material Stocking: Process, machine, and prep timber, metals, plastics, and model-making materials for daily practical lessons, design projects, and examination assessments. Machinery & Equipment Care: Inspect, service, sharpen, clean, and calibrate hand tools, powered workshop machinery (bandsaws, pillar drills, lathes, sanders), and digital fabrication tools (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers). Health & Safety Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to DATA (Design and Technology Association) standards, COSHH guidelines, and CLEAPSS regulations, carrying out routine risk checks and maintaining extraction/ventilation systems. Classroom & Student Support: Provide live technical assistance to pupils during practical fabrication sessions, offering advice on material properties, safe tool handling, and prototyping techniques. CAD/CAM & Digital Integration: Support the software and hardware integration of CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, 2D Design, Fusion 360) with digital output machinery. Requirements A strong technical background or formal qualification in Design & Technology, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, Carpentry, Model Making, or a related maker discipline. Proven practical experience working in a D&T workshop, fabrication space, or technical manufacturing setting (experience in an educational setting with CLEAPSS/DATA machinery certifications is highly desirable). Working knowledge of traditional workshop machinery (woodworking and metalworking) alongside familiarity with modern digital fabrication techniques (CAD/CAM, 3D printing, laser cutting). Solid understanding of workshop health and safety protocols, risk assessments, and COSHH compliance. Excellent practical problem-solving skills, strong team-working abilities, and a patient, supportive approach when guiding young designers. Salary & Benefits Pay Scale: Inner London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with technical experience, pro-rata for term-time plus 1 week). Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), generous holiday pro-rata allowance, funded CLEAPSS / DATA machinery safety training certifications, and access to school health and wellbeing schemes. How to Apply If you are a skilled, safety-minded technical professional ready to support the next generation of designers and engineers at an Outstanding secondary school in Tower Hamlets, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.