Typical duties include:
1. Preparing materials and equipment
Set up tools, machinery, and materials before lessons.
Prepare wood, metal, plastics, electronics kits, or textiles for student projects.
Maintain stock of materials.
2. Maintaining workshop equipment
Maintain and repair machines like:
Pillar drills
Band saws
Laser cutters
3D printers
Sharpen tools and keep equipment in safe working condition.
3. Health & Safety
Ensure workshop safety standards are met.
Carry out risk assessments.
Check that machines and safety equipment are working properly.
Manage COSHH materials (chemicals, glues, finishes).
4. Supporting teachers and students
Help teachers during practical lessons.
Demonstrate safe use of tools if required.
Support students with technical problems.
5. Ordering and inventory
Order materials and tools.
Manage budgets and supplier relationships.
Keep inventory of stock.
Skills Schools Look For
Common requirements include:
Practical workshop skills (woodworking, metalwork, electronics, CAD)
Knowledge of health & safety regulations
Ability to maintain machinery
Organisational skills
Good communication with teachers and students
IT skills for CAD/CAM, 3D printing, laser cutters
Knowledge of Design and Technology curriculum is helpful