Design Technology Technician (Learning Assistant Position)

Taaleem is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. At Taaleem, we hold ourselves to a high standard of effective practices in relation to child protection, and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to various background checks including receipt of references, proof of relevant qualifications, identification, and police checks, including overseas checks.

Dubai British School Mira is looking for a Design Technology Technician to join their dynamic school team and play a key role in delivering high-quality DT and Food Technology lessons.

Job Purpose:

The Design Technology Technician supports the DT and Food Technology departments by preparing equipment, materials and ingredients for practical lessons, maintaining specialist machinery and kitchen equipment, and ensuring all workshop and food preparation areas operate safely and efficiently. The role includes supporting teachers during lessons, monitoring stock and resources, maintaining high standards of health, safety and food hygiene, and contributing to a safe, organised and engaging learning environment for students.

The Assistant supports teachers by preparing practical equipment, ingredients, materials and resources for lessons, maintaining DT machinery, kitchen appliances and specialist equipment, and ensuring that all workshop and food preparation areas operate safely, efficiently and in line with health and safety and food hygiene regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure that all DT machines, kitchen appliances and specialist equipment are maintained to appropriate health and safety standards.
• Maintain accurate maintenance and servicing logs for all machines, tools and equipment.
• Ensure that any equipment not meeting required standards is removed from service until repaired, checked and deemed safe for use.
• Prepare and set up equipment, ingredients and resources for junior and senior DT and Food Technology practical lessons under the guidance of the teacher.
• Support teachers during practical lessons to ensure safe working practices are followed at all times.
• Maintain safe working environments by complying with regulations relating to hazardous materials, food hygiene, waste disposal and the safe storage of chemicals and equipment.
• Clean and safely manage hazardous spills and ensure appropriate disposal procedures are followed.
• Ensure all food ingredients, materials and hazardous substances are stored safely and securely in accordance with regulations.
• Monitor stock levels of ingredients, materials, tools and equipment and replenish as required within agreed budgets.
• Assist teaching staff with the preparation of annual materials, ingredients, equipment and resource orders.
• Check deliveries and ensure supplies are stored correctly and safely.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and presentation across DT workshops, kitchens, preparation rooms and storage areas.
• Liaise with cleaning staff and external providers to ensure specialist rooms are cleaned and maintained to acceptable standards.
• Support the implementation of risk assessments and ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety and food hygiene procedures.
• Assist with displays, demonstrations, enrichment activities and school events related to DT and Food Technology.
• Liaise with external suppliers, contractors, standards agencies and the Facilities Manager regarding maintenance, servicing and repairs.
• Carry out other comparable duties within the scope of the role and the skills required by this job description.

Who Are We Looking for

Education:

• Relevant qualification or certification related to Design Technology, Food Technology, Catering, Workshop Operations or Health and Safety is desirable.
• Food hygiene certification or willingness to complete relevant training is advantageous.

Experience:

• Previous experience working in a workshop, kitchen, technical support or practical learning environment.
• Experience maintaining tools, machinery, kitchen equipment and specialist resources.
• Experience managing stock, equipment maintenance and health and safety procedures.
• Previous experience within a school environment is advantageous but not essential.

Competencies:

• Strong understanding of health and safety procedures within workshop and food preparation environments.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively manage workload.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to support practical lessons in a calm, safe and professional manner.
• Competent in maintaining accurate records and inventory systems.

Attributes:

• Reliable, flexible and hardworking.
• Calm and professional under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.
• Positive and collaborative team member.
• Enthusiastic about supporting student learning and the wider life of the school.
• Willingness to take initiative and support a developing department within a growing school.