ACL Pottery Technician

Oaklands College; St Albans; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A creative educational institution in St Albans is looking for a Ceramics Technician. This role involves maintaining ceramics studios, providing technical support to students, and ensuring health and safety compliance. A minimum of one year of industry experience in ceramics and an NVQ Level 2 qualification are required. The position offers a salary range of £26,292 to £28,728 and includes generous leave and development opportunities.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Local Government Pension Scheme

Ongoing professional development

Access to wellbeing support

Free gym and staff discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year recent industry experience in ceramics.
• Experience in an education or training setting.

Responsibilities

• Ensure ceramics studios are well-prepared and fully equipped for learning.
• Load and offload kilns, maintain tools and ensure safe running of sessions.
• Provide in-class technical assistance to students.

Skills

Specialist skills in ceramic studio practice

Understanding of UK health and safety rules

Experience working with adults

Education

NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification

Tools

Kiln operation

Glaze mixing

Tool maintenance

Job description

Shape Creativity in Action at Oaklands College

Are you passionate about craftsmanship creativity and supporting the next generation of artists?

We're looking for a Ceramics Technician to join our Art & Design team at Oaklands College. Someone who's as comfortable in a hands‑on workshop as they are inspiring students to explore and create.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in delivering exceptional learning experiences within our ceramics studios. You'll help maintain a safe, vibrant and well‑equipped environment that enables students to develop their skills and bring their artistic visions to life.

Your Day-to-Day Impact

Studio Support & Organisation — Ensure our ceramics studios are well‑prepared and fully equipped for learning. You'll maintain order and replenish materials, manage specialist rooms, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Hands‑On Technical Expertise — From loading and offloading kilns to mixing glazes and maintaining tools, your specialist skills will ensure every practical session runs safely and efficiently.

Student & Staff Support — Work closely with lecturers to provide in‑class technical assistance and demonstrate equipment. You'll play an essential role in helping students gain confidence in their practical skills.

Health & Safety Leadership — Ensure all activities follow strict health and safety standards. You'll carry out risk assessments, monitor student safety and maintain compliance with college policies.

Creative Maintenance & Care — Keep studios clean, tidy and inspiring—a space where creativity thrives. You'll carry out routine maintenance and take pride in a well‑run professional learning environment.

Is This You

You're hands‑on, detail‑oriented and passionate about the creative process. You take pride in craftsmanship and find joy in supporting others as they learn and grow. Whether you're preparing materials, maintaining kilns, or demonstrating techniques, you bring a calm, organized and positive energy to everything you do.

You'll be a key part of a collaborative and creative team that values professionalism, curiosity and a genuine love of making.

What You'll Bring

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in a vocationally relevant area.
• Minimum 1 year recent industry experience in ceramics.
• Specialist skills in ceramic studio practice (e.g. kiln operation, glaze mixing, tool maintenance).
• Understanding of UK health and safety rules.
• Experience working with adults or learners in an educational or workshop environment.

Desirable:

• Experience in an education or training setting.
• Knowledge of inventory management and stock control.
• A passion for supporting learners in creative subjects.

Why Oaklands

At Oaklands you'll be part of a college that values creativity, innovation and community. We offer:

• Generous annual leave entitlement.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Access to wellbeing support, free gym and staff discounts.
• A supportive team culture where your contribution truly matters.

Most importantly you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference helping students gain confidence, skill and pride in their craft while keeping our ceramics studios at the heart of a thriving creative community.

Oaklands is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Yearly Salary: 26,292 – 28,728