Technical Instructor in Art & Design
Location
London
Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)
Salary
£38,738 per annum
About the Role
The Royal College of Art is the world’s leading institution for postgraduate art and design education, fostering innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The Graduate Diploma programme offers students a unique opportunity to develop their creative practice across a range of media and disciplines. The Graduate Diploma Making facilities include equipment for working with wood, metal, plastics, and fabric, alongside training and support in software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere. We expect significant knowledge in a variety of these areas and ideally a good working knowledge across all.
The Technical Instructor will support the Lead Technical Instructor as part of the team responsible for the daily operation of the Making Space—the dedicated technical facility for the Graduate Diploma programme. This hands-on role provides technical support and instructional guidance across a broad range of physical and digital processes, helping students integrate diverse methods into their creative projects. You will contribute to the effective running of the Making Space, ensuring the availability of resources and workspaces that support academic delivery, student learning, and Research Knowledge Exchange and Innovation (RKEI) activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical advice, support, and demonstrations on a wide range of physical and digital processes relevant to art and design practices within the Making Space.
- Assist students in developing technical skills at introductory to intermediate levels, empowering them to realise their creative projects using various fabrication techniques.
- Offer problem-solving support to students and staff, helping to develop integrated technical solutions.
- Promote a learning environment based on guided autonomy, encouraging students to develop their own technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Create and maintain learning resources that support student engagement with technical processes.
- Ensure the effective operation and maintenance of tools and equipment within the Making Space.
- Monitor student activity to uphold high standards of health and safety and housekeeping at all times.
- Manage daily digital booking systems to ensure fair access to technical support and facilities for all students.
- Support the procurement, research, and implementation of new equipment and services, keeping up with emerging technologies and industry trends.
- Assist the Lead Technical Instructor in updating risk assessments and COSHH reports, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Experience
- Strong practical experience in art and design technical support, including both physical and digital fabrication techniques.
- Experience in managing workshop operations and maintaining health and safety standards.
About you
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance multiple queries and projects simultaneously.
- A proactive and adaptable approach to teaching and supporting student development.
- Ability to promote a learning environment that encourages guided autonomy and technical skill development.
Qualifications
- A relevant degree or equivalent professional qualification in Art and Design or a related field.
- Solid understanding of health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and COSHH guidelines.
Additional Information
- This position is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. The successful candidate must have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment and be able to provide proof in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 and Home Office guidance.
