Technician in Carpentry

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Oaklands for a Technician in Carpentry & Joinery (Qualified Wood Machinist) to support the delivery of high-quality practical learning within our Construction curriculum. This role is central to ensuring that our workshops operate safely, efficiently, and to industry standards, helping our learners develop the skills they need to succeed in the carpentry and joinery trade.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified and experienced Wood Machinist with strong practical knowledge of industrial woodworking machinery such as spindle moulders, planers, saws, and moulders. Passionate about supporting learners and contributing to their training and development, committed to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety, including adherence to HSAW, PUWER, COSHH, and safe workshop practices.

Key Responsibilities

Workshop & Machinery Management

• Prepare, set up, and maintain all carpentry, joinery, and wood-machining equipment to support practical sessions.
• Perform routine checks, servicing, and adjustments on woodworking machinery, ensuring compliance with PUWER and relevant safety regulations.
• Carry out first-line maintenance, fault diagnosis, and basic repairs, escalating specialist issues where required.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop environment in line with health and safety protocols.

Technical Support for Teaching & Learning

• Assist teaching staff during practical sessions, demonstrating the correct and safe use of woodworking machinery and hand tools.
• Provide technical guidance to students, helping them develop confidence and competency in carpentry and joinery skills.
• Support the preparation of teaching materials, demonstration pieces, and assessment resources.
• Manage stock levels, prepare material orders, and ensure resources are available ahead of scheduled classes.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Conduct safety inspections and maintain accurate records for machinery, COSHH, risk assessments, and workshop logbooks.
• Oversee student adherence to safe working practices, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
• Ensure all equipment is operated in line with industry standards and college policies.

Operational & Administrative Duties

• Support tutors and curriculum managers with workshop timetabling, project preparation, and resource planning.
• Monitor and track equipment usage, consumables, and workshop costs.
• Assist with events such as open days, employer visits, competitions, and community engagement activities.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of workshop operations and student experience.

Is This You?

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in Wood Machining (e.g., NVQ Level 3 or equivalent).
• Significant industry experience as a Wood Machinist or within a carpentry/joinery workshop environment.
• Strong practical skills in operating and maintaining a wide range of woodworking machinery (e.g., planers, saws, spindle moulders, sanders).
• Demonstrated understanding of health and safety responsibilities, including PUWER and COSHH.
• Experience in workshop management, machine maintenance, or supporting training/ apprenticeships.

Desirable

• Experience working in an educational or training environment.
• Assessing or teaching qualifications (e.g., AET, TAQA) – not essential but advantageous.
• Familiarity with digital learning resources or modern carpentry technologies (e.g., CNC routing).
• Experience supporting learners or apprentices in a workshop or training setting.
• Knowledge of current construction industry standards and modern techniques.

• Ability to design and manufacture teaching resources, jigs, and training aids.

• First Aid or H&S qualifications (e.g. IOSH, Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheels certification).

Personal Attributes

• A calm, supportive presence in busy workshop settings.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with learners of varying skill levels.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe, professional, and inspiring workshop environment.
• A proactive, collaborative approach to working with curriculum teams.
• Passionate about education, training, and helping learners succeed in the carpentry and joinery trade.
• Committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Reliable, flexible, and able to work collaboratively within a team.

Your Future Starts at Oaklands

At Oaklands College, we value our staff and are committed to your wellbeing and development. When you join us, you become part of a vibrant and forward-thinking team that supports innovation, creativity, and learner-centred teaching.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Generous holiday allowance – 30 days plus bank holidays.
• Local Government Pension Scheme with excellent employer contributions.
• Fully funded teacher training (if required) and structured induction.
• Ongoing CPD and free access to Adult Community Learning courses.
• Free onsite permit parking.
• Onsite gym (St Albans campus) and wellness treatments at discounted rates.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and discounted travel through UNO Bus Scheme.
• Eye care vouchers and employee assistance programme.
• Mental health and wellbeing support, including peer supporters.
• Staff development days and annual awards celebrating your achievements.

A market supplement of £5,000 is included to reflect the specialist skills required for this role.

Oaklands College is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and we actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and stakeholders to share this commitment.

We review applications on a rolling basis and may close this advert early if we receive high interest. Don't miss your opportunity to join a college that's shaping futures and transforming lives.

Apply today and help us power the next generation.

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