About Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Cambridge, the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA) is a leading institution for aspiring artists and performers. We offer a wide range of Postgraduate, Undergraduate, Foundation, and Diploma courses across Art & Design, Fashion, Music, and Performing Arts. We don’t just teach creative skillswe inspire bold ideas, nurture curiosity, and encourage fearless experimentation. Our goal is to equip students with the confidence to innovate, push boundaries, and shape the future of the creative industries. Our alumni have gone on to work for world-leading brands like Chanel, Vogue and Esquire magazine, and many have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Parsons, Central Saint Martins, RADA, and the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, among others.
At CSVPA, our commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. We take pride in delivering an education that not only develops artistic talent but also equips students with the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to succeed in today’s competitive creative landscape.
We’re not just an institution we’re a catalyst for change. Bold, innovative, and always forward-thinking, we believe in the power of education to transform lives, communities, and industries. We’re looking for a Head of Student Recruitment who shares this belief and is ready to lead the charge in a fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape. We celebrate curiosity, diversity, and creativity. We welcome ideas that challenge convention and we’re always ready to explore new horizons. If you’re passionate about education, global connectivity, and the impact that students can have on the world, then you’re the kind of person we want to join our team.
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Creative Practice
At the Cambridge School of Visual & Performing Arts (CSVPA), creativity is not just nurturedit’s engineered, built, fired, cast, and assembled. Behind every breakthrough piece of work stands the quiet brilliance of someone who knows how to bring ideas into physical form. We’re looking for that person.
This is more than a technician’s roleit’s an invitation to help shape the creative future of a new generation.
Your Role
As our Workshop Technician, you’ll become a key pillar of support for our student community across a wide range of disciplinesfrom Fashion and Fine Art to
Architecture, Interior Design, Graphics, and 3D Design. Whether you're troubleshooting a CAD model, prepping a woodcut, firing up a ceramic kiln, or advising on metalwork techniques, you will serve as both a guide and guardian in our workshop spaces. You’ll take ownership of your workshop domain, acting as the first point of contact for student and staff users. Your knowledge will bring concepts to life and your presence will help keep our creative spaces safe, efficient, and forward-thinking.
What You’ll Do
Lead the day-to-day operations of allocated workshop areas.
Provide hands-on instruction to students (Diploma, Foundation, BA, MA) and staff across wood, metal, digital fabrication, and mixed media.
Ensure a safe and inclusive working environment where creativity can thrivesupervising, training, and inducting users in line with best practice and up-to-date Health & Safety guidance.
Plan, prepare, and help deliver dynamic student exhibitions including Foundation, MA, and Degree shows.
Manage workshop logisticsordering materials, maintaining machines, scheduling inductions, organizing maintenance, and keeping records.
Technical Highlights:
Expertise in wood and metal fabrication, including complex build processes.
Familiarity with ceramic and glass kiln maintenance and operation.
Proficient in CAD/CAM, including 3D printing, laser cutting, and router work.
Confident supporting exhibition installs and liaising with academic and operations teams.
Who You Are
You are curious, capable, and deeply passionate about making. Whether it’s in metal, wood, ceramics, or pixels, your craft is your languageand you speak it fluently. You know your way around a workshop, but more importantly, you understand how to make that space accessible to others. You enjoy solving problems, sharing knowledge, and experimenting with materials new and old. You’re approachable, reliable, and always up for a challenge.
You’ll bring:
Advanced City & Guilds, HND/HNC, or equivalent experience (min. 3 years).
Strong working knowledge of workshop techniques in wood, metal, and mixed materials.
Awareness of ceramic/glass processes and kiln operation.
Skills in CAD, CAM, and 3D modelling software (e.g. SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
High attention to detail, especially regarding Health & Safety standards and procedures.
A collaborative mindset with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Nice to have:
Accredited Health & Safety certifications.
Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Ethos, or similar platforms.
An active interest in creative industries and educational environments.
Competence in digital manufacturing equipment across plastics, metal, and more.
Why CSVPA?
We are a community of makers, thinkers, designers, and dreamers. At CSVPA, no two days are alikeand neither are our students. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in an ever-evolving environment and who wants to contribute meaningfully to arts education at every level.
BENEFITS
Cycle to work Scheme
Tech Scheme
Car Scheme
Free flu vaccine through Healthshield
Free eye tests
Financial wellbeing support via WageStream
Employee Assistance Programme
Group income protection
GP24: GP Access for all
Health Cash Plan
Death in Service
Long service awards
Employee referral scheme
Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
ABOUT CATS GLOBAL SCHOOLS (CGS)
CATS Global Schools is a leading education group committed to inspiring the next generation of world shapers. With a history dating back to 1899, but a focus on the future, our group brings together 16 institutions comprising independent boarding schools, an Arts University College, English language schools and a variety of summer programmes in the UK, US, Canada, and China.
Each year, we provide 18,000 students around the globe with the education they need to develop real-life skills for the future. We are dedicated to academic excellence and our students benefit from our well-developed links to over 40 top global universities.
We create a positive learning environment where every student is empowered to make a contribution to shape their world. This is made possible because of the commitment of our pioneering, persevering people who do the very best for our students.
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
We are committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging. Building on our core values Pioneering, Persevering, People We pledge to deliver a series of events, guest speakers and focus groups to make CATS Global Schools and employer of choice for all.
SAFEGUARDING
CGS is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare and well-being of children and young people. As such, appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of safer recruitment employment checks in line with KCSIE guidelines. This will include satisfactory references, enhanced DBS from the Disclosures and Barring Service and, where applicable, any international equivalent being obtained. Shortlisted candidates will be subject to online checks which may include social media.