Art sits within the Creative Arts and Technologies Department, which is a thriving and dynamic area catering for over 500 students studying a range of A-level, vocational and enrichment courses in Art & Media. The department runs art courses that cover a number of specialisms, including art, craft, ceramics, printmaking, lens-based media (both photographic and a/v), textile design and graphic design. Staff have high expectations of all students and working relationships are positive and supportive. The Department has a reputation for encouraging students to thrive and challenge themselves, and we take the same approach with our staff who will always be supported in their endeavours.
We are seeking to appoint an Art Technician (Intern) to provide support for the department. This will encompass a range of duties, but the main focus will be maintaining our resources and working with students and staff in and out of lessons to offer technical support and workshops.
The department has excellent facilities, including dedicated art and media studios with processing and dark rooms; a traditional print facility with two etching presses; audio visual equipment; fully operational kiln; Risograph and screen-printing facilities; and editing suites with appropriate software for delivering graphics and photography courses. The aim of the department is to enrich the learning experience of our students by delivering the syllabus in a manner which is contemporary, varied and challenging. The successful candidate for this position will be an integral part of helping us achieve this.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
The ideal applicant for this role is someone with up to date art experience (in any specialism) who enjoys technical tasks and can demonstrate energy, common sense and enthusiasm whilst working in a fast-paced environment. It would best suit a graduate of a related degree who is looking for their first position and who is interested in working with young people. The role requires a positive ‘can-do’ attitude, a good and appropriate sense of humour and the ability to work flexibly. The suitable applicant will be someone who understands the ethos of the College and has a strong sense of resilience to work with both staff and students in a large and varied department.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate:
● The technical ability to guide and advise students in the creative use of some of the departmental equipment/software (with the willingness to learn how to do so for other equipment).
● The ability to create/maintain meticulous systems for stock ordering and replenishing.
● Well organised and methodical working practices e.g. to organise and coordinate the art storage cupboards.
● A professional and technically supportive approach to students.
● Flexibility, patience and resourcefulness.
● Basic DIY skills and a willingness to undertake first line mechanical servicing e.g. etching presses and sewing machines (where possible training will be provided).
● A willingness to participate in the lifting of heavy loads (such as stocks of paper) and the use of ladders, e.g. for hanging work in display areas (with training).
● Strong communication skills and an enjoyment of team work.
● An ability to take responsibility, show initiative and solve problems with minimum supervision.
● Committed to principles of promoting Safeguarding, Child Protection and Prevent for young people.
● An understanding and application of legal principles in the workplace such as ED&I, H&S and GDPR.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Accountable to: Head of Creative Arts and Technologies
Key Outcomes: Art students of Queen Mary’s College will be well supported, and overall student inclusion will be facilitated.
Specific responsibilities
● To support the role of teachers to raise the quality of the students’ learning experience.
● To be responsible for the organisation and maintenance of art equipment.
● To run and maintain a departmental shop for art-based resources
● To prepare the classrooms by restocking and replenishing resources.
● To keep the areas and equipment clean and tidy and to encourage the students to observe good working practices in all areas.
● To be responsible for first-line maintenance and repair of equipment and arrangement of professional repair where necessary.
● To devise and deliver practical workshops to staff and students
● To be responsible for technical activities thereby enabling teaching staff to spend more time with students
● To act as a technical assistant for the supervision of students to complete work directed by a teacher.
● To help prepare class / teaching materials and displays for teachers.
● To assist teaching staff in mounting and exhibiting student work.
● To support the teachers on Open Evenings and other promotional activities.
● To carry out PAT testing of all departmental equipment
● To carry out such other duties as the Head of Department or Principal may reasonably require
BENEFITS
This role attracts a number of benefits such as access to a beautiful 23-acre site, use of the Sports Centre facilities, (swim and gym), free parking on site, and complimentary hot beverages for all staff, mentoring support, and access to related training and development. Apart from all of this you will work with a brilliant, dedicated, professional curriculum department, with whom you will have the opportunity to learn a great deal from.
Interview Date Friday 27 June 2025
CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION
Contract Type: Fixed-term from 1st September 2025 to 31st August 2026.
The role would be suitable for a recent graduate of a relevant degree, or who may be considering a future career in Teaching. This role is designed to be an introduction to the Creative Arts professions and therefore is offered as fixed-term contract, aligned with one academic year and is subject to external funding.
Salary: Holiday entitlement: The salary is based on Sixth Form Colleges Support Staff Scale Point 5 which is currently £24,191 per annum, this then prorated to working 35 hours a week during term-time and as a fixed-term contract. The amount is prorated to £19,836.39 per annum. The hourly rate is £12.54 per hour.
This role is term-time only including INSET days, annual leave is to be taken during holiday periods and is included in pay. (The holiday allowance is pro-rated for shorter contracts).
Conditions of Service: Sixth Form College Support Staff.
Start date: 1st September 2025
Normal working hours: These are usually 35 working hours per week but these are negotiable according to the needs of the service. The hours will be worked between 8.30am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday, with a 30 minute break for lunch.
Other Terms and Conditions of service: It is common practice for staff to attend staff meetings and other meetings essential to their area of work in exchange for time off in lieu.
The successful candidate will have the choice whether or not to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. The College contributes a monthly sum equivalent to 19.1% of your salary, whilst staff at this salary level contribute 5.8%
Staff are entitled to the benefits of the nationally agreed sickness and maternity leave schemes
The Corporation has adopted the national recommendations on terms and conditions of employment as agreed by the National Joint Council for Staff in Sixth Form Colleges. Other terms and conditions have been determined in the form of local agreements.
Because of the nature of the College’s work with young people and vulnerable adults, all College staff are required DBS clearance. Confirmation of any job offer is conditional upon the outcome of your Disclosure application.
The College operates a no smoking policy.
