Knitwear Technician

Kingston University; Kingston upon Thames; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK fashion school is seeking a Knit Technician to support student projects and technical guidance in a collaborative environment. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong technical knowledge of fashion construction, and the ability to operate various knit machines. Applicants should possess a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Join a dynamic team and help shape the next generation of fashion innovators while contributing to a supportive and inclusive culture.

Benefits

Supportive, collaborative team

Opportunity to shape future fashion innovators

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, organisational and presentational skills.
• Proven ability to assist and demonstrate to students in a workshop environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of fashion construction and workshop practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist Senior Knit Technician in student knit skill development.
• Develop technical support resources for the faculty's strategy.
• Operate knit machines and instruct students.
• Deliver workshop-based training to individuals and groups.

Skills

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Ability to work under pressure

Technical knowledge of fashion construction

Education

First degree in fashion or equivalent experience

Tools

Domestic knit machines

Dubied knit machines

Overlockers

Job description

The Role

Join one of the UK’s leading fashion schools

Kingston School of Art is ranked Top 4 in the UK for Fashion and Textiles by the Guardian University Guide 2026.

We are also proud to be one of only a handful of institutions worldwide awarded four badges of excellence by the Business of Fashion:

Best Overall, Best in Global Influence, Best in Learning Experience,

Best in Long‑term Value.

Our dynamic Knit / fashion department inspires creativity and innovation, working closely with students at all levels to help them realise their ambitions. As Knit Technician you will play a key role in this vibrant, student‑centred environment. You’ll work collaboratively with staff and students, providing technical expertise and guidance to support the delivery of outstanding fashion education.

We are looking to appoint a Knitwear Technician to provide a professional and fully integrated technical service supporting teaching, research and enterprise. To contribute to a student‑centred culture within the faculty’s workshops, to underpin the collective aims of the faculty, through the ethos of ‘Thinking through Making’, so that there is a clear understanding of how meaningful and disciplined workshop practice can effectively support the development of ambitious student work.

Key responsibilities

• Assist and liaise with the Senior Knit Technician and support student knit skill development in line with the university’s open‑access policy.
• Develop technical support resources aligned with the faculty’s strategy and academic plan.
• Ensure the safe operation of all workshop processes and support the university’s Health and Safety Policy.
• Operate and instruct on Domestic and Dubied knit machines, linkers and other equipment, producing garments and swatches to a high standard.
• Collaborate with the Senior Knit Technician and Fashion Workshop Manager to provide students with expert support and guidance.
• Encourage students’ exploration of yarns, processes, techniques and applications.
• Deliver workshop‑based training, formal instruction or demonstrations to groups of students or individuals, and contribute to the assessment of student work.
• Evaluate risks and implications for the faculty’s technical services.
• Undertake frontline operational and maintenance duties, ensuring Health and Safety requirements are met.
• Keep the knit room clean and tidy daily, ensuring all equipment is in full working order.
• Test, maintain and use equipment, ensuring readiness for student use.
• Embrace the university’s commitment to sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption in the technical service.

The Person

This exciting role is for an applicant that has a first degree in fashion or equivalent relevant experience.

Qualifications and experience

• Excellent communication, organisational and presentational skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with people to achieve positive results.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to demonstrate and instruct the use of Domestic knit machines, Dubied knit machines, linkers and overlockers.
• Ability to assist and demonstrate to students how to produce garments to a high standard, and support student projects using a wide range of yarns, trims and materials. During non‑busy times you may be expected to assist in the sewing rooms and help sewing technicians in other studios within the Fashion Department.

What we’re looking for

• Strong technical knowledge of fashion construction and workshop practices.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• A passion for supporting creative learning and student success.
• Be part of a globally recognised fashion school.
• Work in a supportive, collaborative team.
• Help shape the next generation of fashion innovators.
• Be innovative: to apply new methods or ideas to facilitate progress.
• Be inclusive: to value the diversity of students and staff, treating them respectfully.
• Be enterprising: to recognise and act on opportunities.
• Be ambitious: to pursue excellence for oneself, the university, and our communities.

The postholder must always carry out their responsibilities with due regard to our policy, organisation and arrangements for Health and Safety at Work.

It is your responsibility to carry out your duties in line with our EDI policy and strategy, which is at the heart of KSA’s vision for excellence, being sensitive and caring to the needs of others, and promoting a positive approach to a harmonious working environment.