Fashion Design Technician/Lecturer
Victoria College of Arts and Design · London Area, United Kingdom
Apply & track with Apply EdgeYou will work closely with the Programme Leader and wider academic team to support students in developing their creative and technical capabilities and in translating design concepts into professionally constructed outcomes.The role will involve delivering and supporting subject-specific practical workshops and demonstrations, enabling students to develop confidence and competence across fashion construction techniques and industry-standard equipment. You will provide technical guidance during timetabled teaching and open-access studio sessions, helping students overcome practical challenges and encouraging high standards of craftsmanship, experimentation and professional practice.You will also contribute to the effective operation and development of the fashion studios, ensuring that specialist equipment, machinery, resources and learning environments are maintained to a safe, professional and industry-standard level.We are looking for an experienced fashion professional with strong technical expertise, a passion for teaching and mentoring, and the ability to bring current industry practice into the student learning experience.
Key Responsibilities
1. Teaching, Workshops and Unit DeliveryPlan, develop and deliver high-quality demonstrations and practical workshops across Fashion Design.Utilise a range of teaching methods to support different learning styles, abilities and levels of technical experience.Support students during timetabled sessions and open-access studio time, providing constructive guidance on technical and creative challenges.Maintain up-to-date knowledge of fashion design, garment technology, construction methods, materials, machinery and contemporary industry practice.Embed current developments in fashion technology, sustainable practice and garment production into teaching and practical learning where appropriate.Create and develop pattern cutting block library, technical resources, samples and toile archive.Contribute to curriculum review and development.2. Technical Support and Student DevelopmentProvide specialist technical advice and guidance to students across all levels.Support students in translating creative concepts, design development and illustrations into technically achievable garments and prototypes.Advise on appropriate construction methods, fabrics, components, techniques and production processes.Demonstrate and support the use of industrial sewing machines, pressing equipment and other specialist fashion equipment.Assist students with pattern development, toile construction, fitting, garment adjustment, sampling and finishing.Develop technical samples, demonstrations, templates and step-by-step learning guides to support student learning.Support students in identifying and resolving technical problems during the garment development and production process.Encourage professional standards of workmanship, accuracy, construction and presentation.Support students in developing appropriate technical and professional working practices in preparation for industry.3. Fashion Studio, Equipment and Resource ManagementMaintain and develop a professional, safe and industry-standard fashion studio environment.Ensure industrial sewing machines, pressing equipment and other specialist machinery are appropriately maintained, safe and ready for use.Carry out or coordinate routine checks of equipment and report maintenance or repair requirements through the appropriate channels.Ensure students receive appropriate guidance regarding the safe operation of machinery and specialist equipment.Support compliance with health and safety requirements, risk assessments and relevant institutional policies.Support the organisation and management of fabrics, trims, haberdashery, consumables and other studio materials.Assist with stock control, inventory management and studio purchasing as required.4. Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:Adhere to all VCAD and Partner institution policies, procedures and quality assurance standards.Participate in relevant academic and technical review processes.Engage in peer review, teaching observation and evaluation activities to support the continuous improvement of teaching and technical practice.Contribute to the evaluation and enhancement of practical teaching resources, studio provision and student learning experiences.Maintain appropriate records relating to teaching, workshops, equipment, resources and student support.5. Professional Development:Participate in professional development activities, keeping abreast of innovations and developments within the field of higher education teaching and learning and regulatory requirements.6. Administrative and Departmental Responsibilities:Undertake, as required, administrative duties, as well as any other appropriate duties reasonably requested by your line manager, including attendance and participation in departmental meetings.Actively contribute to departmental goals and participate in activities such as open days, student recruitment, induction events, knowledge transfer and other outreach work.Qualifications & Experience: Essential A bachelor’s degree in a relevant subjectSignificant professional experience in fashion design, garment technology, pattern cutting, garment construction or a closely related fieldConfidence and ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to students and colleaguesAbility to deliver practical, subject-specific workshops and technical demonstrationsExperience using industrial sewing machinery and professional pressing equipmentStrong understanding of health and safety requirements within a fashion studio or workshop environmentStrong organisational skills, including the ability to manage studio resources, equipment, materials and competing prioritiesAbility to utilise a range of digital platforms, in particular Microsoft Office / 365Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding and inclusive teaching and learningAbility to use Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator, for professional technical drawings and fashion communicationDesirable Experience of teaching, mentoring or supporting students in higher education, further education or professional learning environmentsExperience using CLO 3D or other 3D garment visualisation/prototyping softwareExperience with screen printing, domestic knitting machines or other specialist fashion-making processesBenefitsAnnual leave (7.2 weeks)Workplace pension scheme.Company Sick Pay.Statutory maternity and paternity pay.Employee Assistance Programme (HA Wisdom Wellbeing)Virtual GP access (Livi)'Speak Up Service' - confidential support service to report any workplace concernsSpecialist physical and mental wellbeing support services with 24/7 confidential counselling support (Wisdom)Specialist menopause support, including online CBT (Wisdom)Financial, legal and medical advice services provided (Wisdom)Life & Leadership coaching (Wisdom)Financial coaching (MUNNY)Discounts and perks, offering savings on shopping, activities and more (Bright Exchange)Self development and Self taught trainings