Design & Technology Teacher | Sixth Form College | Derby

The Opportunity

Derby is a world-class center for advanced transport manufacturing home to the global headquarters of Rolls-Royce and major Toyota production facilities. We are seeking an industry-minded and technically proficient Design & Technology (DT) Teacher to join a high-performing Sixth Form College. In this specialized post-16 environment you will bridge the gap between classroom theory and industrial application preparing young adults for prestigious apprenticeships and elite university courses in engineering and design.

The Department & Facilities

• You will work within a professional studio-style environment where the focus is on high-level Product Design and Engineering.

• The college features industrial-grade technology including high-spec CAD/CAM suites (SolidWorks/AutoDesk) 3D printing labs and precision machining workshops.

• You will join a team of specialists who treat DT as a professional discipline fostering an atmosphere of innovation critique and high-end craftsmanship.

• The department benefits from strong City of Derby industrial links providing students with direct access to professional mentors and real-world design briefs from local aerospace and automotive leaders.

Core Responsibilities

1. A-Level & Level 3 Delivery: Teaching A-Level Product Design and Level 3 BTEC Engineering focusing on technical drawing material science and manufacturing processes.

2. Iterative Design & Prototyping: Guiding students through the full design cycle from initial user-centered research and sketching to high-fidelity physical prototyping.

3. Advanced CAD/CAM Integration: Teaching students to utilize industry-standard software for complex modelling and ensuring they can translate those designs into CNC-produced components.

4. Portfolio Development: Providing expert mentorship to students as they build professional-standard portfolios for university admissions (UCAS) and degree-level apprenticeship applications.

5. Workshop Management: Maintaining a rigorous standard of workshop safety and tool maintenance ensuring all practical work complies with Health and Safety (DATA) regulations for post-16 education.

The Successful Candidate We are looking for a teacher who is as comfortable with a digital stylus as they are with a workshop lathe. Requirements include:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or QTLS with a degree in Product Design Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• Technical Authority: Extensive knowledge of modern materials and industrial manufacturing techniques with the ability to teach complex theory at an advanced level.

• Industry Insight: A clear understanding of the career pathways available in the East Midlands engineering sector and the ability to articulate these to students.

• Visionary Mentor: The ability to push students beyond the basic curriculum encouraging them to tackle ambitious socially conscious or commercially viable design projects.

Why Join Us

• A dedicated post-16 setting where students have actively chosen to specialize in Design and Technology.

• Access to specialized professional development focused on the latest industry trends in sustainable design and digital manufacturing.

• The opportunity to work in Derbya city that offers the perfect blend of high-tech career opportunities and easy access to the Peak District.

• A professional adult learning environment that values independent research and technical excellence.

How to Apply

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process for this Design & Technology Teacher position. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.