Technical Instructor in Art & Design - Graduate Diploma

Technical Instructor - Graduate Diploma Making

The Royal College of Art (RCA), a globally renowned institution at the forefront of postgraduate art and design education, is seeking a passionate and skilled Technical Instructor to join their dynamic team. This is an exceptional opportunity for an individual to contribute to a world-class environment, fostering innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. If you are driven by a desire to support emerging talent and have a strong technical background, this role offers a rewarding career path within a vibrant academic setting.

What the Role Offers:

As a Technical Instructor within the Graduate Diploma Making facilities, you will play a pivotal role in supporting students throughout their creative journeys. This hands-on position allows you to leverage your expertise in both physical and digital fabrication techniques, guiding students as they bring their innovative projects to life. You'll be instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the Making Space, a dedicated technical facility equipped for a wide range of materials including wood, metal, plastics, and fabric. The role also involves providing essential training and support in industry-standard software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premiere.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Contribution: Directly influence the creative development of talented postgraduate students from around the world, helping them to realize their artistic visions.
• Diverse Skill Development: Gain exposure to a broad spectrum of physical and digital making processes, continuously expanding your own technical repertoire.
• Cutting-Edge Environment: Work within a leading art and design institution, surrounded by innovation and at the nexus of emerging creative practices.
• Professional Growth: The RCA fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, offering ample opportunities for professional advancement and collaboration within a forward-thinking academic community.
• Creative Exposure: Be part of a diverse range of creative projects and research, engaging with cutting-edge methodologies and artistic explorations.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Technical Versatility: A strong practical understanding and ideally, working knowledge across a variety of making disciplines (wood, metal, plastics, fabric) and digital software (Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere) is essential. The role requires you to be adept at providing support across this diverse range.
• Student-Centric Approach: The core of this role is student support and instruction. Candidates should possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to mentor and guide students in developing their technical proficiency and independent problem-solving capabilities.
• Health & Safety Expertise: A solid understanding of health and safety regulations, risk assessments, and COSHH guidelines is paramount. The ability to uphold high standards of safety and housekeeping is a non-negotiable aspect of the role.
• Operational Acumen: Beyond instruction, you will be involved in the operational aspects of the Making Space, including equipment maintenance, resource management, and supporting the implementation of new technologies.
• Work Authorization: Please note that this position is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Successful candidates must possess the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment.

This Technical Instructor role is more than a job; it's an opportunity to be an integral part of a world-leading creative ecosystem. If you are a proactive, adaptable, and technically skilled individual with a passion for education and making, this position offers a compelling pathway for career advancement within the arts and design sector.