Application Pack Science Technician University Technical College Plymouth 1 P a g e
Contents 1. Letter from the Chair of Plymouth UTC Ltd. 2. Background information 3. The Advertisement 4. Job Description and Person Specification 5. Terms and Conditions of Employment 6. How to apply: Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form 7. Recruitment timetable 2 P a g e
May 2013 Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in the post of Science Technician at our new University Technical College (UTC) Plymouth. We are delighted to have been selected as one of the pioneering UTCs in the country. We are determined that UTC Plymouth will offer our young people the chance to become hard working and motivated experts and leaders in marine engineering and advanced manufacturing, to realise their academic, practical and personal abilities and to embark on successful and specialist careers. UTC Plymouth is fundamental to the city s vision to become the world leader in marine technologies and manufacturing. It will offer 14 to 19 year olds in the region, an opportunity to make a major contribution to the current and future development of the life and work of Plymouth, as well as broader aspirations in both national and international arenas. Our principal aim is to create future leaders, innovators and technicians in both the engineering and manufacturing industries. We are proud to be associated with Babcock International Marine Division, Devonport and Princess Yachts International Ltd, to name but a few of the many businesses that we are working with in supporting the UTC. Alongside these the UTC is also working with umbrella organisations such as the Plymouth Manufacturing Group, Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses. The opening date of the UTC is September 2013 and our Funding Agreement with the Secretary of State for Education was signed in July 2012. We intend to recruit a number of support staff to take up the position by 1 September 2013. Our aim is that the successful candidates be able to hit the deck running and play a key role in establishing the UTC, The site is secure, and the construction and refurbishment of the buildings has already commenced, the completion schedule however remains tight and will be a challenge. It still requires extraordinary effort and dedication to realise the best possible educational environment for the staff and students, one that will enable them to achieve excellence. Plymouth is a vibrant waterfront city, set in a wonderful position and surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the United Kingdom. It provides all the facilities you would expect from a major city (please see http://www.positivelyplymouth.co.uk for a taster). The Science Technician for UTC Plymouth will be a key member of the support team. The successful 3 P a g e
candidates will work collaboratively with all of the staff and students and indeed their parents, to ensure that UTC is in the best possible position to deliver and sustain its objectives. Please do not hesitate to contact Sophie Young, our UTC Plymouth Project Assistant, for an informal discussion about the UTC before submitting your application. Sophie can be reached initially via email at sophie.young@plymouth.ac.uk The closing date for applications is midnight 4 June 2013 and the assessment and selection process will be held on 24-26 June 2013. If you are as excited by this project as we are, we look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely Professor Pauline Kneale Pro Vice-Chancellor Teaching and Learning Chair of Plymouth UTC Ltd 4 P a g e
2. Background information Our vision is: a world class centre of educational excellence for Plymouth in marine engineering and advanced manufacturing where young people are offered outstanding learning opportunities in industry, innovation and enterprise Our vision is driven by a profound and shared ambition to motivate and enable all young people to fulfil their potential, become outstanding citizens and make a positive contribution to the economic growth of the city. Our UTC is based on an investment in and an absolute commitment to establishing an innovative form of education that will offer a realistic, relevant and integrated learning environment to our young people. We will establish progression pathways to meet the aspirations of the students, their future employers and to the community as a whole. We will be an inclusive beacon of academic and technical excellence to both the present as well as future generations of employers and young employees. The fundamental partnership with local advanced manufacturing, marine engineering and other related industries, together with parents and our community, will ensure that our ethos, learning environment and curriculum reflect the current and future needs of the employment sectors and the city. As a result, we will widen participation; raise standards of technical educational achievement and in doing so reduce the effects of economic and social disadvantage. We have, in common with other Plymouth stakeholders, a shared ambition to reduce significantly the number of young people not in education, employment or training and meet our obligations towards the Raising of the Participation Age. We are committed to securing speedy and comprehensive improvements in literacy, numeracy and life skills for all students, as a foundation to developing wider skills and specialisms. Under the governance of a fully committed Board of Trustees, where the majority are employer sponsors, we believe that the college will exceed both individual student and collective expectations. Our students will become confident young people who are innovative, enterprising, entrepreneurial and wealth-creating. They will be healthy and resilient team players who exhibit leadership skills, independence, and thrive on rising to meet technical and personal challenges in their studies as well as in the work place. UTC Plymouth offers our young people the chance to become experts and leaders in technical engineering and manufacturing, to prove their academic, practical and personal abilities and to embark on successful and specialist careers. Each and every individual is encouraged to seek their own sense of adventure, secure their ambitions and endeavour to achieve excellence. Students at UTC Plymouth will learn, lead and innovate. Our young people are truly prepared to embrace the whole world of opportunity. 5 P a g e
The timing of the UTC fits neatly with Plymouth's strategic socio-economic aspirations (see http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/localeconomicstrategy) in terms of increasing housing, homes, employment opportunities and improving STEM standards which will be delivered through the establishment of a the city's Growth Board s plans, the Marine Energy Park, the recently established Local Enterprise Partnership (the Heart of the South West), and the city's Growth Acceleration Investment Network (GAIN). They all support the upward trend and prognosis for Plymouth's economic growth; which in turn must be supported by a capable and skilled workforce, which in part, will be provided by the proposed UTC. The UTC, located in the inner city to maximise social inclusion from the deprived areas, will allow the existing transport links to cater for the majority of the travel requirements, and critically, remain within close proximity to our key employer sponsors sites, as well as those of the City College Plymouth and Plymouth University. The UTC Plymouth will have the educational and technical expertise to provide an inclusive learning and training experience for all of its young people. It will give exciting, challenging and refreshing opportunities to all students who have a drive to excel in these professional / technical areas and forge rewarding careers. Our young people will engage in research, explore career options and take a hands on approach in technically focussed work. As well as setting high aspirations and high attainment for each student, the UTC will be mindful of its commitment to an inclusive learning environment, determined both to stretch the most able and offer a fresh start for those young people with a genuine interest in the UTC specialisms and who need to access new ways of learning. This document is designed to represent the difference, innovation and excitement of the UTC Plymouth. This provision aims to offer an educational experience that is couched in industry, employment, technical expertise, entrepreneurship, enterprise and business. Young people will choose to learn and work here as it will represent the first step to real academic / technical success and a successful and rewarding career path. As such, it will not feel or look like a traditional school or academy. Instead, it will be organised on real life models, in which colleagues meet together to work on challenging projects, develop expertise, collaborate together and share in the success of successful products and outcomes. The language here aims to reflect the difference of the learning experience at the UTC Plymouth. It consciously avoids pupil, curriculum, classrooms, tutor groups and timetables and instead opts for student, education and technical model, work spaces, working groups and schedules. In short, it aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of school and work, academic study and career progression. It will encourage all young people and the staff to participate together in technical, functional and academic projects. Having said that, the UTC will pay considerable attention to the requirements, standards and expectations of a high quality learning environment for 14-19 year olds. The teaching and learning, structures, discipline, assessments, tracking and pastoral care etc. will draw upon the best practice of an outstanding school or college, and deliver the best opportunity for every individual student to make strong progress, achieve their potential and access next steps on their career path. The students educational and technical experience will be underpinned by the offer of The Plymouth Award (this name is to be formally agreed), a portfolio based certification process. Accredited by Plymouth University, it will be designed to reward students for participation, active citizenship, and personal development in addition to their technical/academic achievement. 6 P a g e
3. The Advertisement Science technician UTC Plymouth Salary 15,500-17,500 + performance related pay and training Start date September 2013 or by arrangement. We are seeking an exceptional and highly motivated individual with outstanding customer skills, science acumen and laboratory know-how to join our small team. You will have a significant responsibility for the UTC s science laboratories, equipment, consumables, store rooms and preparation areas carrying out routine, reactive and proactive tasks in and around the science teaching areas. You will set up the learning spaces as well as respond to and resolve equipment failures, maintaining and inventory and spare stock as well as being responsible for asset management of all relevant resources. You will work with the College s staff and delivering excellent satisfaction to all UTC users, ensuring throughout, all UTC s science laboratory spaces and equipment availability targets are met. The job holder will have a willingness and commitment to CPD, be skilled and confident in the areas of decision making, results orientation, science knowledge and skills, excellent customer care and be strong in teamwork, communications, planning and organising. Furthermore, the job holder will be responsible for all health and safety aspects of the science spaces and operations. In an all hands on deck approach, the Technician will support the development of this exciting and challenging new educational initiative and will be key in shaping its future success. Your drive and enthusiasm for the UTC s vision, its specialisms and its people will be essential in creating a world-class centre of educational excellence. You will help to inspire the students and colleagues to grasp outstanding learning opportunities in a stimulating, friendly and work-focussed environment. Your immediate priorities will be to establish the equipment needs for all science learning, assisting the teaching staff as required. Very well organised and able to prioritise, you are science and user focussed able to confidently show and not just do, with an innate willingness and infectious enthusiasm to confidently and politely assist others in this environment. We are also interested in what other enrichment qualities and skills you have to offer our students. Closing date for applications: 2359 on 4 June 2013. Shortlisting: 7 June 2013. Assessment and selection centre 24-26 June 2013 For further information and the online application form please go to www.plymouth.ac.uk/jobs This post is subject to an enhanced CRB Disclosure. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. 7 P a g e
4. Job Description and Person Specification Job Title: Accountable to: Reporting to: Salary: Science Technician Director of Science Director of Science 15,500-17,500 plus PRP The Science Technician will have responsibility for the UTC s Science accommodation including the management, maintenance and development of all associated equipment, the provision of technical advice and support for all science learning related activities. You will work with the UTC s Science staff delivering excellent customer satisfaction to all staff and students, ensuring that the UTC s availability targets are met. You will respond to and resolve system failures, maintaining stock and being responsible for asset management of all relevant resources. Health and safety of the operational use of equipment, spaces and resources is a priority. The job holder will have a willingness and commitment to CPD, be skilled and confident in the areas of decision making, results orientation, marketing knowledge and skills, exceptional customer care and be very strong in teamwork, communication, planning and organising. Key responsibilities Core activities 1. To be responsible to the Director of Science in coordinating the use of, and development of practical resources and facilities, including the provision of guidance and support in meeting the practical requirements of the science learning, including liaising with all areas of the UTC and outside organisations. 2. Organising technical support to the science department, including: preparing and maintaining resources, assembling apparatus; assisting in practical classes; carrying out demonstrations; giving technical advice to staff, technicians and students as well as carrying out risk assessments for technician activities; designing, constructing and modifying apparatus; preparing micro-biological media and cultures; setting up and caring for plant and animal collections; preparing standard solutions, purifying chemicals, treating waste etc. 3. To have overall responsibility for the promotion and observance of a healthy & safe working environment for the technical support service and areas by: actively leading and coordinating the assessment, monitoring and review of both health & safety procedures and information resources; keeping up-to-date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development; the provision of technical advice on health & safety issues to staff and other technical support staff; 8 P a g e
the safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards; the healthy & safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials; checking fume cupboards, pressure vessels and first-aid kits; carrying out electrical and other safety checks, etc; maintaining First Aid boxes; organising, storing and checking the condition of chemicals and equipment; storing of flammable and radio-active materials securely and safely as directed. 4. Attend department meetings. 5. To ensure that the technical team is resourced, organised and developed to meet the performance standards required by the department. 6. Managing, monitoring performance and supervising colleagues (e.g. apprentices). 7. To take a lead role in the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long-term projects and offer professional guidance, assistance and support to pupils & teachers on the practical aspects of the curriculum. 8. To be responsible for setting up and monitoring systems used in the management and control of practical resources including: leading on stock control, ordering and recording, liaising or negotiating with suppliers and maintaining appropriate records; monitoring, controlling and keeping financial records of the departmental expenditure in accordance with the school s policy; ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment and suggesting alternatives for suitability and economy. 9. To undertake responsibility for the science department on routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the required standard. Ensuring the department s resources are maintained to the required standards. 10. Liaising with senior management and other departments. 11. To be familiar with customer care, data protection and health and safety policies and raise awareness amongst staff and student. 12. To improve one s own practice through training observation, discussion with colleagues, technical staff meetings and performance management. 13. To keep abreast of current laboratory and learning developments and provide advice on the best product for a given task. 14. To work flexibly and undertake other duties of an equivalent nature that may be required by the Director of Science. 9 P a g e
Person Specification: Science Technician (E Essential, D Desirable) Experience Relevant science qualifications (E) Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and passionate about delivering exceptional customer support (E) Experience in supporting an educational science laboratory, related resources and infrastructure in a customer focused environment (E) Sound planning, organisational and prioritising skills. (E) Health and safety practical knowledge (E) A logical and tenacious approach to problem solving with a good attention to detail. (E) Ability to deliver practical support to A Level Chemistry, Physics and Biology (D) IT literacy (D) Finance, science supply chain and resources knowledge (D) Proactive improvement oriented outlook and a team player. (D) Flexible approach to term time work between 08:00 18:00 (Mon-Fri) 10 P a g e
Terms and Conditions of Employment Salary c 15500 17500 plus PRP The UTC has adopted a suitable College based (non-teaching staff) Pay and Conditions contract. Previous employment Any previous continuous local government service covered by redundancy payments (Local Government Modification Order) will be counted towards continuous employment for redundancy pay purposes. Place of work Your principal place of work will initially be Plymouth University and when complete, UTC Plymouth, Devonport. As part of your duties you will be required to travel within the United Kingdom or abroad involving overnight stays as necessary. Such travel will require but is not limited to attendance at training events, conferences, seminars or meetings. Confirmation of appointment Will be subject to: Satisfactory health check Receipt of two satisfactory employer references one of which must be from your current or most recent employer. Please note that personal or peer referees are not acceptable. Satisfactory enhanced CRB check Satisfactory verification of relevant qualifications 11 P a g e
6. How to apply: Application Form and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form If you would like to apply for the post of Science Technician please complete the online application form at www.plymouth.ac.uk/jobs IMPORTANT: Your supporting statement should sequentially set out how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the person specification and should not exceed the character allowance (9,000) required by the online application form. Closing Date for applications: 2359 on 4 June 2013 7. Recruitment Timetable The following dates have been determined for the recruitment timetable: 2359 on 4 June 2013 - closing date for applications 7 June 2013 - short listing of applicants 24-26 June 2013 assessment and Selection process 12 P a g e