Position Permanent

Location Godalming

Salary £25000 to £32000

Contact Catherine Kirby

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Charterhouse

Godalming

The School

Charterhouse is a beautiful school and a wonderful place in which to live and work. Founded in 1611 it moved to its present magnificent 250-acre site near Godalming in Surrey in 1872, and consequently we celebrated our 150th anniversary of that move in 2022. Few schools can offer such an amazing backdrop for teaching and learning, and the school community is very strong, with excellent relationships between pupils and staff. A Charterhouse education is so much more than just examinations - it is education that endures long after the examination results are published. We seek to prepare teenagers for adult life in terms of their personal development, their emotional health, and their ability to cope with challenges and be adaptable to the new careers of the future that perhaps we cannot even imagine. The breadth and depth of boarding school life provide the opportunity for this preparation.

Design Engineering at Charterhouse

Engineers and designers are crucial for the economy and workplace of the future as governments, commerce and industry collaborate to solve the major technical and environmental challenges of our age. Charterhouse seeks to develop in our students the necessary fusion of technical expertise, creative thinking and pragmatic, collaborative problem-solving that is required in the dynamic 21st century workplace. The fostering of creativity in the curriculum involves inviting students to generate ideas and solve real-world problems. In a future workplace dominated more and more by Artificial Intelligence, there will be an increased emphasis on skills such as practical problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking and resilience in the face of challenge. A key role for the Design Engineering Department therefore is to develop pupils grasp of project management, their inter-personal skills, and competence with varied tools including both manufacturing technologies and computer-aided design.

The Role - Overall Purpose and Responsibilities

The Design Engineering Technicians primary responsibility is to support the smooth running of the Design Engineering Department by controlling stock, preparing materials, maintaining equipment and tools to ensure the teaching and learning environment is safe (in accordance with relevant legislation), clean and well resourced. The post holder will work closely with Head of Department to ensure technical support to Design Engineering department.
The post holder will provide support to both the teachers, through the preparation of resources and materials required in lessons, and the pupils in practical activities by offering guidance, advice and direction as and when required.

Key Responsibilities

Learning and Teaching Support

Prepare a range of materials for pupils to use during practical lessons; this includes the cutting of sheet materials such as plywood, sheet metals etc.
Allocate and collect hardware and sundries for pupils to use during practical lessons
Assist in practical lessons when required by supervising pupils, ensuring their safety and encouraging pupils to engage in activities led by the teacher
Establish good relationships with pupils, acting as role model, reporting progress and achievements to teacher as agreed
Set up experiments, demonstrations and visual aids as requested by the teaching staff
Maintain and store pupil's work (in progress) in a secure, tidy and organised fashion
Assist teachers by supporting pupils in their learning in order to ensure their continuing educational development
In the absence of teachers, independently supervise pupils
Ensure the working area is clean and tidy after each practical session and assist the teacher with displays of pupils work
Assist the teacher in developing effective methods of explaining basic ICT applications and support pupils in their use
Offer technical support to Art and Fashion Design and Textiles faculties as instructed by the Lead Technician (Art)

Department Stock & Inventory

Monitor the use of materials and consumables in the department including all sheet materials, soft woods, metals, plastics, hardware, sundries etc. and undertake inventory checks
Support the Head of Department in effectively managing his/her budget by having a good understanding of budgetary constraints for materials and consumables
Within existing confines of department policy, take responsibility for stock orders
Research and source supplies and materials ensuring best value and high quality
Ensure secure storage of deliveries and undertake general porterage duties
Maintain accurate records of stock ordering and invoicing

Maintenance of Equipment and Work Environment

Regularly inspect (e.g. weekly), maintain and monitor workshop machinery, renew or replace parts as necessary.
Manage and maintain suitable maintenance records sheets for all key machinery and equipment.
Inspect hand tools used by pupils to ensure they are fit for purpose, including sharpening blades, replacing blades and setting up hand tools for hashes
Maintain the general working environment of the workshop including repair or installation of tool racks and cupboards, work benches, storage spaces, display areas and the daily running of the workshop to ensure pupils are safe during practical lessons
Organise and implement an ongoing planned maintenance system appropriate for all department equipment including Computer Aided Design (CAD) / Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) systems and equipment
Maintain workshop and stores in a tidy and organised fashion
Conduct end of term and beginning of term preparation tasks to ensure that all work areas are tidy, and all items are well stocked for the next term and all equipment in working order
Look after and maintain Timber Store, including sorting and bringing material up for prep before
Organise annual inspection and maintenance checks on equipment to be undertaken by subcontractors where appropriate.
Assisting with proposals for the maintenance and development of the department, suggesting improved practices and procedures for the workshop.

Self-Development

Progress and develop in the role through full participation in and co-operation with any training, coaching and support offered in conjunction with the role
Attend training sessions as and when required to ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Safeguarding, School Policies and Procedures and other training programmes as directed

Health and Safety and Compliance

Provide advice to pupils on the safe use of machinery, materials, media and equipment
Assist teaching staff in ensuring that all equipment satisfies and continues to comply with the Health and Safety regulations
Adhere to the School Health and Safety policy at all times
Ensure that both working areas and storage areas are safe, clean and well-organised and that any Health and Safety issues are promptly report to the relevant Head of Department
Carry out and review, at least termly, risk assessments for machining and working areas in the department in liaison with the relevant Head of Department and/or Health and Safety Manager
Ensure full compliance with safe manual
handling techniques when undertaking manual handling tasks and adhere to risk assessments in place
The Technician must be familiar with and adhere to the safety rules of the workshop and the school as outlined in BS4163 and the risk assessments for the department.
Record and manage staff safety training records (DATA) ensuring they are compliant and up to date.
Ensure consumables such as paints, chemicals, etc are stored in accordance with COSHH requirements.

School Wide Responsibilities

Actively contribute to the Design Engineering Departments involvement in the School wide events and activities
In consultation with the Head of Department, carry out displays and constructions tasks for other areas of the School
Liaise with the Maintenance and Operations Departments, as and when required, to set up events and exhibitions e.g. OC Day

No job description can fully cover all aspects of the role and consequently the responsibilities are likely to evolve and change over time. This description does however give an overall view of the position.

Person Specification

Relevant Experience / Knowledge & Technical Competencies

ESSENTIAL

A broad understanding of engineering and woodworking techniques
A working knowledge of various timbers, metals, polymers, composites and their correct application
Competent in the use and maintenance of the following machinery: Table saw, Band saw, Scroll saws, Lathes (both wood and metal), Milling machines, Welding, Soldering, CNC machinery.
Strong practical skills and an aptitude for problem solving.
Good working knowledge of interfacing CAD software with various CAM based machines (e.g. laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers etc)
Ability to absorb and understand a range of information in particular manuals and working practices of resistant materials
Working knowledge and understanding of relevant policies, procedures, and regulations such as COSHH, Health and Safety rules and the risk assessment process
Experience of effectively using a wide variety of ICT systems
A skilled user of Microsoft Office suite
Good Organisation and administration skills

DESIRABLE

Experience of working in a similar role in an education establishment

Qualifications

ESSENTIAL

Good general education including English and Maths
Recognised qualification at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent experience in Technology or Design Engineering

DESIRABLE

First Aid Training Certificate
Health & Safety Training Certificate
DATA trainer

Personal Competencies / Skills

ESSENTIAL

Comfortable working with pupils (individually and in groups) ages 13 - 18 and members of the School Community
Ability to inspire pupils by demonstrating a true passion and enthusiasm for Design Engineering and Technology
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Able to interact with others in a tactful, sensitive and appropriate manner
Excellent creative flair and design skills, combined with a close attention to detail and eye for accuracy and attention to detail
Co-operative, reliable and supportive, with a can do attitude and a desire to learn
Methodical, well organised and able to work using own initiative with the ability to prioritise
Flexible approach with the ability to embrace and accommodate change
Proven ability to manage varied workload by working collaboratively or independently as and when required
Thrives on achieving high standards
Demonstrates patience and the ability to remain calm even in challenging situations
Physically fit with the ability to undertake moderate lifting

Terms of Service

Special Working Conditions

This is a full-time role, 40 hours per week during term time (32 weeks of the year), plus an additional 240 hours (equivalent to six 40-hour weeks) to be worked outside of the academic year, or occasional weekend and/or evening work during term time to staff workshops and events. The timing of working weeks outside of the academic year must be agreed upon in advance with the Head of Department. The post holder will normally work Monday to Friday, 08:00 until 17:00 (with one hour unpaid for lunch). Although the post holder will be required to ensure any materials and resources needed for Saturday morning lessons are prepared in advance as directed by the department teachers. A degree of flexibility with regards to working outside of the core working pattern is essential.

Safeguarding

Working in a School environment, the jobholder is responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom they are responsible or with whom they come into contact and are expected to adhere to and ensure compliance with the Schools Safeguarding Policies at all times. If, in the course of carrying out the duties of the post, the Job Holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School they must report any concerns to the Schools Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Benefits of Employment

Salary Range

£25,000-£32,000 per annum depending on experience

Holiday

5 weeks holiday plus 8 statutory bank holidays. It may not be possible to take public holidays during term-time, and time off will be given in lieu.

Benefits

Membership of the Charterhouse Sports Centre
Inclusion in Personal Accident Insurance Cover
Employee Assistance Programme
School lunches are usually available throughout the year on working days
Death in Service Benefit
Contributory Pension Scheme

Benefits subject to eligibility criteria:
Subsidised membership of School Golf Club
Cycle to Work Scheme

Notice 4 weeks during probationary period (which is normally six months). Once the appointment is confirmed both parties are required to give at least 12 weeks notice.

Application Process

Applications should be made in accordance with the Schools application and safer recruitment procedures, via the Schools website, selecting the relevant vacancy.

We are creating an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity are seen and valued - for our pupils, for our staff. A culture that supports the enduring Charterhouse education provided to pupils in our global and multi-cultural environment. Join us now to be a part of it.
If candidates would like an informal conversation before applying, please contact Richard Entwisle, Head of Design Engineering ([email protected]), who would be very happy to talk with you.

Closing date for applications is 12 noon on 21st April 2023.

All successful job applicants will be required to undertake a Criminal Record check and to undergo child protection screening.

To apply please visit: https://bit.ly/2S4RaAj