Interim Specialist Technician (L&T) Costume Workshops and Studios

THIS JOB HAS NOW CLOSED

The opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our costume technical team in a maternity cover post for 12 months at Wimbledon College of Arts (WCA), UAL.

WCA provides a rich, visionary and state-of-the-art environment where performers, designers and creative technologists can collaborate and explore performance in all its guises, whilst bringing to life extraordinary work.

The role will empower you to bring to Wimbledon advanced knowledge and extensive professional experience as well as enthusiastic, reassuring and inclusive interpersonal skills indispensable to support our students’ journey.

The costume technical team at WCA supports both our long-standing BA and our brand-new MA courses by providing professional technical expertise, guidance and knowledge that supports teaching and research whilst contributing critical input to students’ concepts and expressive/creative intention. 

You will be responsible for specialist equipment, consumables usage and maintenance in accordance with relevant legislation, health and safety policy and University policy, as well as the administration of systems, bookings and maintenance records. 

Technicians are an integral part of the realisation of students’ work: their knowledge and experience of industry not only enables students to realise their most professional standard of work here at WCA, but it also prepares them for a smooth transition into their working life.

About you

We are seeking a versatile and experienced costume specialist with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in costume or relevant subject area and/or significant experience in a similar technical role, either in industry or education or ideally both. 

It is desirable for you to have relevant experience in delivering technical workshops encompassing the journey of a costume from initial ideal through to realisation. Proficiency in costume design interpretation is crucial. A working knowledge of other areas of theatrical and film costume making, such as pattern cutting, sewing, dyeing and millinery are desirable. A willingness to upskill is essential. You should possess excellent creative abilities in interpreting students’ ideas and suggesting solutions for their realisation as well as demonstrating competence in concept development for costume realisation. 

Additionally, you should possess effective and adaptable communication skills, a good working knowledge of IT packages and the ability to manage technical resources efficiently. 

Your professional competence, guidance, and advice will play an instrumental role in supporting students with transition from education to industry. It will be vital for you to remain updated about costume making techniques, whilst introducing innovative ideas and workshops to enrich the overall student journey. Furthermore, you will be responsible for offering solutions toward promoting a sustainable costume making practice focusing on re-using, re-purposing and re-cycling materials as well as effectively managing and organizing our stock. 

By bringing your technical expertise, passion for teaching and learning and collaborative mindset to the role, you will contribute to creating a safe, accessible and enriching environment for students at WCA, ensuring their journey with us is second to none. 

Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Richard Barton, Associate Head of Technical Resources / r.h.barton@arts.ac.uk.

Should you have any questions about the application process or require reasonable adjustments for your application, please contact Christine Crouch, Resourcing Advisor / jobs.ccw@arts.ac.uk.

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

Our culture

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to be members of the Race Equality Charter (REC) and Business Disability Forum, are a Disability Confident Scheme Committed and Living Wage employer and maintain our status as a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

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