Design Technology Technician

About the Role

At GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi, we cultivate an inclusive and vibrant educational environment where every learner is recognized, motivated, and supported. Located on Al Reem Island, our institution delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework alongside aspects of the British curriculum, offering students a comprehensive and internationally oriented education.

We are currently seeking experienced and committed Design Technology Technicians to commence employment in August 2026 with immediate onboarding possibilities.

Job Purpose

This role focuses on delivering technical and practical assistance to educators and learners within the Creative Arts & Technology department. It involves ensuring the workshop environment is safe, orderly, and operational, while supporting the instruction of IB (PYP/MYP/DP), British, and NCfE curricula through preparation, upkeep, and class assistance.

Primary Duties

• Comply rigorously with organizational protocols concerning administration, operations, health & safety, and stock management.
• Maintain adherence to health and safety standards including risk assessments, COSHH guidelines, and secure storage of materials.
• Keep detailed inventories of tools, machinery, and materials, performing stock control and ordering supplies as necessary.
• Ensure workshops, tools, and machines are consistently safe, maintained, and available for use.
• Conduct regular maintenance, servicing, and minor repairs on workshop equipment and hand tools used for woodworking, metalworking, and plastics.
• Prepare and set up hardware, machinery, and ICT resources for demos and student activities.
• Organize tools, materials, and resources ahead of lessons to facilitate smooth teaching aligned with IB, British, and NCfE educational programs.
• Assist instructors during practical lessons, aiding students in design and fabrication tasks.
• Fabricate and modify teaching materials such as aids, prototypes, jigs, and fixtures.
• Prepare components and resource kits for educational projects.
• Support storage management for student work and materials, devising or adjusting storage solutions as required.
• Assist in creating informative displays and maintaining an inspiring learning environment.
• Contribute to departmental exhibitions and school-wide initiatives when needed.
• Perform any additional tasks assigned by the school leadership or Head of the Arabic & STEM Department.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Certification or formal qualification in Design & Technology, Engineering, Workshop Practice, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience handling workshop machinery and tools relevant to wood, metal, and plastics processing.
• Clear understanding and application of health and safety standards in a workshop setting, including COSHH and risk assessments.
• Hands-on skills in manufacturing and repairing equipment or components.
• Strong organizational capabilities and effective time management to properly prioritize responsibilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate with both staff and students.
• Proficiency with ICT tools such as MS Office and openness to learning new technologies (CAD/CAM software, laser cutters, CNC machines).
• Meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding safety procedures and lesson preparation.
• Capacity to work independently and proactively.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in educational settings, ideally with IB, British, or NCfE curricula.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM, 3D printing, laser cutting, or CNC technology.
• Knowledge or experience with educational robotics and physical computing tools like Arduino, Smart City platforms, or Micro:bit.
• First Aid certification.
• Experience in supporting students during hands-on learning sessions.