TOI KAIAKO & TOI TECHNICIAN (HOT ARTS)
The Learning Connexion is a tertiary school of Creativity and Art based in the Hutt Valley, Wellington. An exciting part-time vacancy has opened with us and we are now seeking a talented Hot Arts specialist skilled in foundry, metal fabrication, and/or blacksmithing to join our team as a Toi Kaiako and Toi Technician.
The core function of the Toi Kaiako role is to deliver hands-on demonstrations of materials and techniques that will inspire and guide tauira (students) with their skill acquisition and art making process as they develop their creativity. Toi Kaiako are an important part of delivering TLC’s philosophy where creativity is learnt through making.
Hot Arts at TLC
Our Hot Arts facilities at TLC consist of a foundry for melting and casting bronze and aluminum, a welding and fabrication shop for creating and assembling metal sculptures, and a blacksmith studio for heating and shaping metals. The ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable and experienced blacksmith and a practiced Hot Arts specialist with skills across a diverse range of media including knife-making, metal casting and metal sculpture. You will also have a desire to impart your knowledge to a diverse group of learners - warm, clear communication skills, technical knowledge and safety practices, awareness of creative processes and sensitivity to different learning styles are key.
You will be demonstrating hot arts making materials and technique possibilities to tertiary level tauira in a creative, dynamic environment - through engaging, hands-on practical sessions that encourage skill development and creative exploration. We deliver to a variety of levels from beginners to more advanced tauira.
As a Toi Kaiako, you will deliver a minimum of one practical demonstration per week during term time, on-site at our campus in Taita. You are not required to work over term breaks, although some planning and development may occur over this time. As a Toi Technician, you will support the smooth operation of the Hot Arts studio, ensuring it is well prepared, safe and equipped by organising materials and maintaining equipment. We envisage the combined roles will equate to 9 hours per week during term time.
This part-time position has plenty of potential for growth and the successful candidate would also have the opportunity to offer additional community classes in our Hot Arts space.
Key skills and attributes:
To be successful in this position you will need to:
-
Be able to work with tauira with a broad range of abilities in ways which are respectful, helpful and supportive
-
Demonstrate and offer guidance on the use of materials, safety, tools and techniques
-
Motivate tauira to actively engage in the creative process, helping them build confidence in their abilities
-
Work collaboratively with other Toi Kaiako, Creativity Kaiako and Delivery Support as they evaluate tauira needs, align teaching strategies and ensure a cohesive learning experience
-
Communicate effectively both verbally and written
-
Be flexible, patient and able to think on your feet
-
Be approachable, inclusive and non-judgemental
Teaching experience is preferred and holding either a degree level qualification in visual/fine arts, or having completed at least The Diploma of Creativity (Level 6) with TLC is a strong advantage.
To apply:
This is a rare opportunity to work in an innovative and forward-thinking tertiary learning environment that stands-out from the crowd. Our specialised creativity and art programmes are world-class and we are excited to be able to offer you the chance to be part of our talented and diverse team.
To apply please email us your current CV (with referee details), covering letter and portfolio of your creative practice to: recruitment@tlc.ac.nz
Applications will close on Friday 9 May at 5.00pm but please note that if the ideal candidate is found prior to this date, we may move forward early with our shortlisting and selection process.
Please note you must be eligible to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this position.