Casual Ceramics Technician - New Directions College
Are you passionate about ceramics and looking for a flexible, hands-on role in a creative learning environment? New Directions College – Reading Borough Council’s adult and community learning service – is seeking a committed and practical Casual Ceramics Technician to support the delivery of our ceramics courses. This is a great opportunity to work within a friendly, learner-focused environment and play a key role in the smooth operation of our ceramics studio.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the Role:
New Directions College is based at 330 Northumberland Avenue, Reading, RG2 8DH. The role is casual and will require you on and as and when needed basis.
You’ll support both tutors and learners by preparing the ceramics studio for classes, setting up and maintaining equipment, and ensuring all materials are ready for use. You’ll manage kiln operations, including firing and maintenance, and assist with mixing glazes, reclaiming clay, and cleaning specialist tools and areas.
Health and safety will be a key part of your role, including COSHH compliance and regular checks to ensure the studio environment is safe, clean, and welcoming. You’ll also help with stock control, ordering materials, checking deliveries, and maintaining the studio’s organisation.
Working flexibly to meet the needs of the curriculum, you’ll liaise with tutors, provide technical support during classes, and contribute to a positive, creative learning experience for our students.
What we’re looking for:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in Ceramics or a related subject
- Experience in operating and maintaining kilns and ceramics studio equipment
- COSHH and Health & Safety knowledge (training provided if required)
- A proactive, organised, and self-motivated approach
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Flexibility to work on a casual basis to meet class timetables and studio needs
If you have a passion for ceramics and want to help others enjoy and succeed in their learning, we’d love to hear from you.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed
Our offer:
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Zillah Puri – Arts, Crafts & Wellbeing Learning Manager - zillah.puri@reading.gov.uk
Interview Date: Sunday 6th July 2025
Interview Date: TBC
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.