About this role
The technician acts as the bridge between the theoretical lesson plan and the physical execution, ensuring all materials, tools, and safety protocols are in place before students enter the room. The role is vital for maintaining departmental health and safety standards, managing specialised resources, and providing technical demonstrations that enhance the students' understanding of practical techniques and industrial processes.
. These responsibilities are not exhaustive and the post-holder is expected to carry out any other related reasonable duties commensurate with their skills, abilities and grade.
Curriculum and Lesson Preparation
Experiment and Project Setup: Prepare, calibrate, and deliver equipment and materials for Science practicals (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Design and Technology or Art lessons, Sport lessons and Food and Nutrition lessons.
Demonstration Support: Assist teachers during live demonstrations, providing technical "extra hands" or specialised knowledge to ensure complex tasks are shown clearly and safely.
Resource Innovation: Collaborate with teaching staff to develop new practical models or adapt existing experiments to better suit the current curriculum or student needs.
Specialised Departmental Maintenance
Machinery and Tool Upkeep: Perform routine maintenance and safety checks on workshop machinery (lathes, pillar drills, saws) and CAD/CAM equipment (3D printers, laser cutters).
Chemical and Material Management: Maintain the Science and Food tech prep rooms, including the accurate dilution of chemicals, sterilisation of glassware, and management of biological specimens. Maintain appropriate level of ingredients for food tech and ensure all health and hygiene standards are met.
Health, Safety, and Student Supervision
Student Safety Oversight: Monitor student safety during practical sessions to ensure the correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to workshop/lab safety rules and support teaching staff in managing high expectations of student behaviour.
COSHH and Risk Management: Maintain rigorous records for COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and ensure all CLEAPSS (or equivalent) safety guidelines as well as the Academy’s risk assessments and procedures are strictly followed.
Technical Guidance: Provide direct 1:1 or small-group guidance to students on technical processes, such as soldering, measuring, or chemical handling.
Administrative and Logistical Support
Procurement: Manage the departmental budget for consumables, ensuring that timber, metals, chemicals, ingredients, and stationery are ordered and restocked to avoid lesson disruption.
Display and Exhibition: Assist in the mounting and display of student work for GCSE/A-Level moderation and school exhibitions.
Waste Disposal: Oversee the safe and legal disposal of hazardous waste, including "sharps," chemical residues, and scrap materials.