At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hands-on workshops, deliver practical demonstrations, and support students in engineering projects.
- Company: Join Barnet and Southgate College, a forward-thinking education provider in North London.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, gym access, and discounts at local shops.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development and course innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by sharing your engineering skills and expertise with eager learners.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in engineering or equivalent, plus experience in mechanical workshop roles.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
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
- 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 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.
Lead Engineering Workshop Technician. Job in London Education & Training Jobs employer: Barnet And Southgate College
Barnet and Southgate College is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its staff while fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture. Located in North London, the college offers a generous holiday allowance, access to gym facilities, and various employee benefits such as season ticket loans and a cycle to work scheme, ensuring a supportive environment for all employees. As a Lead Engineering Workshop Technician, you will not only contribute to shaping the future of engineering education but also enjoy a fulfilling role that values your expertise and encourages continuous development.
Contact Details:
Barnet And Southgate College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Engineering Workshop Technician. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend workshops or industry events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the job hunt. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or demonstrations, bring it along to interviews or networking events. This hands-on evidence of your expertise can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Many technical roles, like the Lead Engineering Workshop Technician, may require you to demonstrate your skills on the spot. Brush up on your machining techniques and be ready to impress with your hands-on abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Barnet and Southgate College.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Engineering Workshop Technician. Job in London Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your machining and engineering skills in your application. We want to see how your hands-on experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Mention specific experiences that relate to workshop management and technical support, as this will help us see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnet And Southgate College
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills and knowledge related to machining, welding, and CNC operations. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've used these skills in previous roles. This will show that you're not just a technician but a true expert.
✨Demonstrate Your Teaching Skills
Since this role involves passing on skills to students, think of examples where you've successfully taught or demonstrated techniques in the past. Prepare to share specific instances where your guidance made a difference, as this will highlight your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to workshop environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've maintained safety standards in previous roles and any risk assessments you've conducted. This shows that you take safety seriously, which is crucial in an educational setting.
✨Engage with Course Development
Think about how you can contribute to developing new courses or improving existing ones. Bring ideas to the table during the interview about what practical sessions could look like or how to enhance student engagement. This demonstrates your proactive approach and commitment to the college's vision.
