Technical Instructor

Organisation Background

About us

JCA| London Fashion Academy is a unique modern-day undertaking by one of the worlds most renowned contemporary designers, Prof. Dato’ Jimmy Choo OBE.

Positioned as an industry leader in the field of fashion education it follows and positively reacts to the developing higher education landscape in the UK and the Ministers call for ‘new and innovative providers opening high quality higher education’.

The Academy seeks to find, support and launch new designers through a couture-styled learner centred approach that is focused on professional practice delivered within a boutique specialist incubation environment’.

JCA offers both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in a range of broad-based subjects that allow learners to pursue a very high degree of specialism. There are two routes available to prospective students:
1) an immersive, professional practice experience with incubation in Mayfair, and
2) a timetabled professional experience within a Maker Space in West London.

Inclusive in its approach, the Academy seeks to support only the very best and most gifted designer to fulfil their ambitions and transition from higher education into entrepreneurship and / or employment.

As a selective institution, recruitment is based on academic and creative potential expressed through prior qualifications and portfolio and behaviours and attitudes through academic interview and engagement.

The bar is set high but the community is founded on well being.

JCA Culture

Our academic staff are the best in their field, professionally within fashion, and pedagogically within education. They are also friendly and approachable people. People who want to work with other, similar minded, people – and together, to create a professionally focused learning community.

Lecturers are employed as ‘Mentors’ and deliver more than taught sessions; they interact, engage, and participate with learners and guide the learning journey. They excite, provocate and disrupt ways of thinking. They support, protect and inculcate excellence. However, most of all, they motivate, encourage and inspire.

Being an aspiring designer at the Academy is much more than being a student it is about setting a direction and being mentored on that journey – from campus to beyond.

Overview and Objectives

The Technical Instructor role at JCA | London Fashion Academy involves providing technical support to students enrolled in the BA(Hons) Fashion Design & Accessories / BA(Hons) Fashion Design, Branding and Entrepreneurship programmes.. This includes collaborating closely with fashion design instructors to enhance students' skills.
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The objective of this role is to contribute to the educational experience of students by offering hands-on guidance, demonstrating expert techniques, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Technical Instructors play a crucial role in helping students develop proficiency in fashion design techniques, enhancing their creativity, and preparing them for successful careers in the fashion industry. Additionally, they assist in curriculum development, manage workshop operations, ensure safety compliance, and contribute to the overall success of the fashion design programmes at the Academy.

Key relationships

Teaching and Learning
Students
Academic Team
Lecturers
Fashion Incubation

Main duties and responsibilities

As a Technical Instructor, your responsibilities include:
Providing technical support to learners in pattern construction, garment assembly, and finishing techniques.
Demonstrating expert techniques and offering hands-on guidance during practical sessions.
Motivating and inspiring students to excel intheir creative pursuits
Contributing to curriculum development by sharing your technical knowledge.
Supervising garment construction from initial design to professionally finished products.
Procurement and equipment maintenance, including resource identification, purchasing recommendations, and health and safety oversight.
Event preparation support for lectures, catwalk shows, exhibitions, conferences, open days, and public events.
Overseeing the operation of workshops at different academic levels.
Preparing and setting up equipment and materials for practical classes and assisting teaching staff.
Managing tools, equipment, and materials, including organizing repairs and safety assessments.
Supervising students during open access sessions and ensuring proper induction and certification.
Assisting in risk assessments and safety checklist creation.
Managing stock, inventory, and the sale of materials to students.

Key Competencies

Proficiency in fashion design techniques such as pattern construction, garment assembly, and accessory making. This includes a deep understanding of materials, sewing techniques, and finishing methods.
Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and demonstrate techniques to students. Patience, clarity, and the ability to motivate and inspire learners are essential.
The role involves managing equipment, materials, and resources, as well as contributing to curriculum development. Strong organizational skills are necessary for overseeing workshops, event preparation, procurement, and inventory management.
A commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail is vital for supervising apparel construction and ensuring finished products meet professional standards.
Extensive experience of quality assurance and enhancement in UK higher education;
Effectively managing time to coordinate practical sessions, assist teaching staff, and handle administrative tasks is essential in this role.
Proven successful experience of making high level decisions and recommendations to senior management on learning, teaching and enhancement matters;
Relevant qualifications in fashion design or equivalent industry experience are typically required. Prior teaching or training experience can be a bonus.
An inherent passion for fashion and a genuine interest in guiding and shaping the next generation of fashion industry professionals is fundamental to the role.

Personal Attributes

In addition to the required educational and professional experiences expressed for the post, ideal candidates would be ambitious, innovative and entrepreneurial.
Candidates would not only be comfortable with change management, they would positively thrive in exciting dynamic environments.
Experience of both public and private HEI’s would be advantageous but not essential.

Experience and Qualifications

To excel in this role, you should possess:
• Proficiency in fashion design techniques and apparel construction.
• Strong communication skills and a passion for teaching.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to quality craftsmanship.
• Patience and the ability to support students in their creative journey.
• Relevant qualifications or industry experience.
• A bachelor's degree in Fashion Design focused on patternmaking, tailoring, and sewing, or equivalent work experience.
• Strong IT skills, organizational abilities, and time management skills.
• Prior teaching or training experience is a bonus.
• CAD skills are desirable.