Job Description

Role: Design and Technology Technician

Academy: Outwood Academy Freeston

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary (Actual Salary): £17,801 to £18,084

Working Pattern: 30 Hours Per Week, Term Time only + 5 days

Hours: 08.30am to 3.00pm (Monday to Friday)

Do you have specialised technical skills in Design and Technology and a commitment to ensuring students have safe, fully operational resources for their practical learning? Are you adept at maintaining complex workshop equipment and ensuring the highest standards of safety and organisation? This role is dedicated to supporting teaching and learning in the Technology Department on a day-to-day basis.

We are looking for an organised, proactive and practically minded Design Technology Technician to assist our DT Teaching staff. You will enable the workshop to operate efficiently by ensuring that it is a well organised, safe environment with appropriate materials and equipment. The primary responsibilities are:

• Provide technical support and advice to staff and students across food, textiles and resistant materials
• Prepare tools, equipment and materials for lessons and displays
• Undertake a practical health and safety role for the department

Experience working in a school environment and a strong understanding of health and safety are a plus, as are strong IT skills. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and a confident team player who enjoys helping students and takes pride in their progress.

Welcome from the Principal

I am very excited to introduce you to Outwood Academy Freeston, where you will receive a family-centered, warm, and positive welcome. Our academy is located conveniently in the heart of Normanton, one of the five towns of Wakefield.

As a family, we support and challenge ourselves to be the very best for every young person in our care, preparing them to be excellent citizens with the options to pursue any future they choose.

Our roots are important: we are privileged to be supported by The Normanton Freeston Foundation, which provides financial support to help our academy and students thrive—a legacy dating back to 1594.

We are proud to be part of the Outwood Grange Academies Trust, passionately sharing the belief in raising standards and transforming lives. Our staff is committed to making a positive, sustained difference for our students, their families, and our community.

We look forward to meeting you and sharing our passionate vision. If you share this commitment, please get in touch.

• To view the Support Staff recruitment booklet, Click Here

If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact Lisa Habgood at L.Habgood@freeston.outwood.com

The technician supports DT teaching by preparing materials, assisting with demonstrations, and managing resources, including ordering stock and maintaining inventory and classroom displays. Key technical duties involve basic maintenance and setting up workshop tools and machinery, supporting staff in the use of ICT/CAD/CAM, and safely using heat treatment facilities such as brazing and casting.

The role is essential for safety, requiring the maintenance of risk assessment records, ensuring secure storage of tools and equipment, and arranging regular safety inspections. They ensure teaching rooms are tidy, hazard-free, and locked when not in use.

• To view the full Job Description please click here

Candidates must possess the essential skills to communicate effectively with a range of audiences, maintain confidentiality, and utilize standard ICT packages including Microsoft Office. The role demands strong time management and organisation skills, along with the ability to prioritise and manage one’s workload effectively.

The ability and willingness to obtain and/or enhance qualifications and training and development is essential. While experience of working in a school environment is desirable, experience of working within a specific curriculum area is also desirable.

• To View the Person Specification please click here

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).

What will we do for you?

We offer a supportive package focusing on professional advancement, secure benefits, and work-life balance:

• Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

• Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications.

• Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rata basis)

• Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

If you are looking for a rewarding, supportive role where you can truly make an impact, we encourage you to apply now.

• Further Information on employee benefits can be found Click Here

• To find our more about working for Outwood and to read a message from our CEO please Click Here

Note: If applying from an external job board, please click 'Apply' to access the working links on the Outwood Careers page

Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.