Higher Level Teaching Assistant and Technician - DT

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A state boarding school in Bridgwater is seeking a committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and Technician for their Design & Technology department. The role involves planning and delivering learning activities, supporting students in practical sessions, and maintaining tools and equipment. Candidates should have GCSEs in literacy and numeracy, experience with young people, and knowledge in engineering and woodworking. A full-time, permanent contract is offered with generous employee benefits.

Benefits

Generous local government pension scheme

Employee Reward Scheme with discounts

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy are essential.
• Experience working with young people is required.
• Knowledge of engineering, woodworking, and basic electronics/plastics forming is needed.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging learning activities in Design & Technology.
• Support students in practical sessions including engineering and woodworking.
• Maintain and prepare tools, machinery, and materials for lessons.

Skills

Experience in engineering

Woodworking skills

CAD/CAM technology knowledge

Ability to support students

Education

GCSEs (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy

HLTA qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Are you passionate about supporting students in a creative and technical learning environment? Do you have experience in engineering, woodworking, or CAD/CAM technologies? Brymore Academy is seeking a dynamic and committed Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) and Technician to join our Design & Technology department.

Brymore is a State Boarding School for boys aged 11 – 16 set in its own 60-acre site with a working farm, gardens, workshops and sports facilities. We are ambitious, inclusive, and collaborative. Every role contributes to student success, and we are proud to be a values-driven organisation.

Location: Brymore Academy

Grade: BTC Band 06, Scale Point 10

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

37 hours per week, 36 weeks a year (term time plus inset days)

The Role

This unique dual-role combines classroom support and technical expertise. You will:

• Plan and deliver engaging learning activities in Design & Technology.
• Support students in practical sessions including engineering, woodworking, and CAD/CAM.
• Maintain and prepare tools, machinery, and materials for lessons. Operate and assist with CAD/CAM equipment such as laser cutters and 3D printers.
• Ensure health and safety compliance in workshops and classrooms.
• Lead small groups or whole classes during teacher absence.
• Collaborate with teachers on lesson planning and project-based learning.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in literacy and numeracy.
• Experience working with young people.
• Knowledge of engineering, woodworking, and basic electronics/plastics forming.
• Commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing of children.

Desirable:

• HLTA qualification or equivalent experience.
• Experience supporting pupils in an educational setting.
• Training in relevant learning strategies or workshop techniques.
• You’ll need to be accurate, reliable, and flexible, with the ability to work in a busy, hands-on environment. Physical effort and high concentration are essential due to the nature of the equipment and materials.

What we offer

• Generous local government pension scheme with employer contributions of over 23%
• Employee Reward Scheme, including high-street discounts & Staff Wellbeing Centre
• Free on-site parking

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 2nd November 2025

We believe in hiring for potential and this means that we value individuals for the knowledge skills and experience that they have developed in every aspect of their lives. If you don’t feel that you meet all of the criteria listed in the person specification, we would still encourage you to apply.

We care about our staff and provide a number of benefits in addition to salary including a positive and supportive working environment, employer pension contribution of at least 23%, generous annual leave entitlement for all-year round staff, on-site gyms, free parking, access to a retail discounts platform and Employee Assistance Programme. Helping you achieve a good work life balance is important to us. Lots of our colleagues work flexibly including part time hours and/or job shares and we are happy to discuss these opportunities with you.

We truly believe that diversity of thought, culture, background and perspective secure the best outcomes for our students. We strive to build teams that represent our local communities and welcome applications from individuals who identify as members of an under-represented group and in particular individuals who identify as BAME, disabled or LGBT. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share its commitment. Our mission is that all children achieve. A criminal disclosure check will be requested for any applicant who is offered a position.