Lead Engineering Workshop Technician

Are you an experienced machinist or mechanical engineer who thrives in a workshop environment and enjoys passing your skills on to others? Do you want a hands-on role where your technical expertise is at the heart of everything and where no two days are the same? If so, we think you will feel right at home here.

As our Lead Engineering Workshop Technician, you will be the expert presence in our engineering workshops at Southgate Campus, providing specialist technical support to students and staff across a broad range of practical engineering activities. You will set up and resource workshops for classes, carry out demonstrations on lathes, mills, welding equipment and CNC machinery, and deliver technician-led practical sessions to learners and, where required, external clients. This is a lead role with real breadth and responsibility. You will support the management of the mechanical workshop, advise on equipment and materials, liaise with suppliers and contractors, maintain health and safety standards, and contribute to the development of new courses and project activities alongside academic staff. It is an ideal role for an engineering professional who wants the variety and purpose of an education environment without stepping away from the workshop floor.

About Barnet and Southgate College: We change lives, empower individuals and connect communities. We are an ambitious, forward-thinking further education college in North London, proud to serve diverse communities across Barnet, Southgate and beyond. Our 2030 Vision is bold: to be a leading provider of learning and skills development, fostering exceptional educational experiences, driven by innovation, collaboration and excellence. Our Engineering provision at Southgate is built on strong subject expertise, industry-relevant facilities and a commitment to giving learners practical, hands-on experience that prepares them for real working environments. You will be joining a team that values technical knowledge, supports professional development and gives you the scope to make a genuine contribution beyond your immediate role.

What You'll Be Doing

• Workshop preparation: Resource, prepare and set up workshops, equipment and materials for practical classes and demonstrations, ensuring everything is ready, safe and fit for purpose.
• Practical demonstrations: Deliver skilled demonstrations across a range of workshop machinery and techniques, including lathes, mills, welding, fabrication and CNC machine tool operation.
• Technical support: Provide expert advice and hands-on support to teaching staff and students, assisting with the manufacturing and fabrication requirements of projects and classes.
• Workshop management: Support the management of the mechanical workshop including equipment maintenance, inventory, sourcing of materials and consumables, and liaison with suppliers and contractors.
• Health and safety: Ensure full compliance with health and safety requirements across workshop and clean lab areas, undertake risk assessments, maintain safety records and act as a trained first aider.
• Course development: Support academic staff in developing new workshop demonstrations and project activities, and contribute to the planning and development of new or updated courses.
• Records and administration: Maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance and testing, support purchase order processes and undertake administrative duties as required.

What You'll Bring

Essential

• A minimum of Level 3 in a relevant engineering subject, or equivalent vocational qualification (e.g. BTEC HNC, NVQ, Advanced City and Guilds)
• Proven experience in a mechanical engineering support or workshop role
• Excellent machining skills including use of lathes, mills, drills and saws
• Experience of welding and fabrication
• Ability to read, understand and produce technical drawings
• Experience using CAD/CAM software such as Fusion 360, AutoCAD or similar
• Good knowledge of modern engineering equipment, materials and manufacturing techniques
• Previous experience of delivering training or practical demonstrations
• Strong communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with staff and students at all levels
• Commitment to health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion

Even Better If You Have...

• Membership of a relevant professional body
• Relevant commercial or industry experience
• Experience in the use of CNC machines
• Experience of using SolidWorks or SolidCAM
• Experience of designing and producing mechanical assemblies

Potential Interview Dates: Week commencing 22nd June 2026.

Our Employee Pledge: The College offers employees a generous holiday allowance of 31 days annual leave for our support staff plus bank holidays. Pro Rata'd for part time employees. We also offer an attractive package of optional benefits for employees to take advantage of.

• Annual Season Ticket Loans: We offer permanent or contract staff with a minimum of a 12 month contract the option to purchase an annual season ticket loan without the big financial hit in one go!
• Cycle to Work Scheme: The scheme is an incentive for staff, offering tax free bikes through bike shops.
• Employee Support Helpline: The Employee Assistance Helpline can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Eye Tests for DSE Users: The College will refund the cost of regular eye tests for staff that use Display Screen Equipment regularly.
• Flu vouchers: We offer established staff a free flu vaccination voucher.
• Gym Facilities: Our Sports Centre at Southgate Campus is available for all staff.
• Hair Salon Services and Beauty Treatments: A range of competitively-priced hairdressing services are accessible at our Colindale Campus.
• High Street Discounts: Discount for teachers is a shopping benefits website for staff.