Technician - Fashion and Textiles (33.5 hours p/w)

Key Responsibilities

• To provide direct support to teaching staff by maintaining and promoting a creative, industry-relevant working environment within fashion and textiles workshops and studios.
• To ensure staff and students have appropriate access to classrooms, workshops, studios and specialist equipment as required.
• To liaise proactively with IT Services and relevant support teams to resolve technical issues and ensure the smooth running of practical sessions, exhibitions and events.
• To manage, organise and store coursework evidence, including sketchbooks, design portfolios and digital submissions.
• To prepare and support practical activities by setting up materials, tools and equipment (e.g. sewing machines, pattern cutting tools, textiles resources), ensuring readiness before sessions and proper storage afterwards.
• To assist in practical group activities, supervise the safe use of specialist equipment (e.g. industrial sewing machines, pressing equipment), and undertake workshop setup prior to sessions.
• To support internal and external use of fashion and textiles studios, workshops and exhibition spaces.
• To undertake out-of-hours support for fashion shows, exhibitions, photoshoots and events as reasonably requested by management.
• To maintain responsibility for the safe handling, maintenance and security of all equipment, materials and student work both on and off site.
• To support the creation of visual content (e.g. photography of garments, portfolios, displays) for college marketing, social media and student showcases.
• To assist with the supervision of students undertaking practical project work, industry briefs, enrichment activities, visits and competitions.
• To research and introduce new techniques, materials, and technologies within fashion and textiles (e.g. sustainable practices, digital design tools), supporting staff development and curriculum innovation.
• To demonstrate flexibility in supporting departmental needs and contributing to wider cross-college activities.
• To manage stock control, ordering of materials (fabric, threads, trims, consumables) and maintaining an organised workshop environment.
• To monitor and maintain relevant software and equipment where applicable (e.g. CAD for fashion, digital textile design tools), ensuring updates and usability.
• To support digital systems used for collaboration and submission of work (e.g. Teams, online portfolios), ensuring efficient workflows for staff and students.
• To manage access to specialist resources, equipment booking systems and workshop usage.
• To support industry engagement by building links with fashion designers, textile artists, manufacturers and creative businesses to enhance work experience and live project opportunities for students.
• To undertake any other duties of a similar level of responsibility as required by management.
  
  

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• GCSE English & Math’s 
• Degree in a related subject area (Fashion, Textiles)
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in relevant technical area
• Knowledge of screen printing and weaving 

• Teaching Qualification or willingness to work towards 
• Health and safety training (e.g. manual handling, COSHH awareness, risk assessment training). 

• Minimum 3 years related industry or Further Education experience – specifically running  
• Fashion and Textiles environments, fashion print and pattern cutting 
• Solid background/knowledge of related creative arts disciplines 
• Technical knowledge within the study programme area as defined by the course specification
• Basic level in Microsoft applications, particularly Word and Excel. 

• Experience in the use of Marvellous Designer and Tufting 
• Networking, Branding and Marketing experience 

• Willingness to undertake further training
• Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends for events
• Commitment to inclusive practice and learner success