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Role Details

Title

STEM Educator

Organisation

Maidstone Hackspace

Distance from the search postcode

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Website

http://maidstone-hackspace.org.uk This link will open a new window.

What you will be doing

About Maidstone Hackspace:
Maidstone Hackspace is a community interest company (CIC) dedicated to fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration. We provide an inclusive workspace with access to tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and electronics kits, helping our members and the wider community explore technology, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

About the Role:
Are you passionate about technology, creativity, and community development? Maidstone Hackspace is looking for a motivated STEM Educator to join our team and inspire others to explore the world of technology and innovation.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, focusing on developing skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation. STEAM expands this by incorporating the Arts, fostering creativity and interdisciplinary approaches. Together, STEM and STEAM equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to solve real-world challenges, encouraging innovation, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of how technology and creativity can shape the future.

As a STEM Educator, you will be responsible for delivering engaging workshops and classes to the local public and our membership. Your work will involve utilising cutting-edge technology such as:

(1) Laser cutting
(2) 3D printing
(3) Basic electronics

You'll teach participants how to use this equipment effectively, demonstrating its potential benefits for creative and entrepreneurial endeavours. With a schedule of planned events, you'll utilise existing training materials while also having the opportunity to design new workshops and create bespoke content.

What You'll Gain:
This role offers a unique chance to develop and enhance your:

(1) Presentation and public speaking skills
(2) Leadership and mentoring abilities
(3) Workshop and training design expertise
(4) Hands-on technical skills in advanced technology

Additionally, you’ll be contributing to the growth and development of the local community, helping individuals turn their creative ideas into reality.

As our capacity grows, Maidstone Hackspace is committed to expanding our workshops into a wider range of STEM and STEAM fields. Our STEM Educators will have the opportunity to develop these new workshops, exploring areas such as coding, robotics, sustainable technologies, and the integration of arts with science and engineering, as resourcing allows. This ensures we continue to inspire innovation, creativity, and diverse learning opportunities within our community.

At Maidstone Hackspace, we strive to buddy STEM Educators together when running workshops wherever possible. This approach ensures educators feel supported, improves troubleshooting, and streamlines the day’s activities. By working in pairs, educators can take turns delivering content, assisting attendees, and preparing equipment or processes in the background.

While pairing may not always be necessary or possible, depending on the complexity of the workshop and the availability of other educators, we make every effort to organise this—particularly during the first few sessions a new STEM Educator delivers. This ensures a smoother transition into the role and fosters a collaborative and supportive teaching environment.

Who We're Looking For:
The ideal candidate will be:

(1) Passionate about STEAM (prior knowledge in a STEAM subject is preferred but not essential).
(2) Eager to learn and explore new technologies.
(3) Confident in delivering presentations and engaging with diverse audiences.
(4) Creative, adaptable, and able to design new training content.
(5) Committed to supporting others in their personal and professional development.
(6) able to commit to delivering a schedule of workshops at least once a month

What We Offer:

(1) The chance to work in a dynamic, supportive, and creative environment where ideas and collaboration thrive.
(2) Opportunities to develop leadership, technical, and interpersonal skills, building a strong foundation for future career growth.
(3) Potential funding for additional training, including access to new tools, techniques, and certifications (dependent on finances).
(4) A role that directly impacts the local community, helping to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
(5) The opportunity to design and deliver workshops, contributing to cutting-edge STEAM education and inspiring others to unlock their potential.
(6) Hands-on experience with advanced technology such as laser cutting, 3D printing, and electronics, providing valuable, practical expertise.
(7) A platform to showcase your skills, creativity, and ideas while collaborating with like-minded individuals.
(8) Access to a supportive network of individuals passionate about technology, education, and creativity, opening doors to potential future opportunities.

Maidstone Hackspace is committed to supporting its STEM Educators through a Train the Trainer approach. This ensures that all new educators are confident and competent in using our equipment, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and electronics tools, as well as delivering our training materials effectively. Through hands-on guidance, peer support, and access to resources, we aim to empower our educators to lead workshops with expertise, fostering an engaging and inspiring learning environment for our community.

How to Apply:
If you’re excited by the opportunity to inspire others and grow as a leader in the STEM field, we’d love to hear from you. Prior experience is not essential—we value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Join us in making a real difference to our community through technology and creativity. Apply now to become a part of Maidstone Hackspace’s mission to foster innovation and inspire the next generation of makers and entrepreneurs!

Activities

Advice, Information & Support,Art & Design,Community Work,IT, Technology & Websites,Practical Work & DIY,Teaching & Training,Education

Skills & Attributes

Talking To Others, Creative & Design, Art & Craft, Electronics

Skills Description

At a minimum, we are looking for someone with the aptitude and enthusiasm to learn and work with a variety of tools and technologies, including laser cutters, 3D printers, and basic electronics. While prior knowledge in STEM subjects is preferred, it is not essential, as we provide training to ensure all volunteers are confident and competent in using the equipment and delivering workshops. The ideal candidate should have strong communication skills, a willingness to engage with diverse groups, and the ability to commit time to a schedule of planned activities. They should also be adaptable, organised, and eager to develop new skills, both technical and interpersonal, as part of a supportive and collaborative environment.

What is in it for you

Volunteering as a STEM Educator at Maidstone Hackspace offers numerous benefits that can boost both personal and professional development. You'll gain hands-on experience with advanced tools like laser cutters, 3D printers, and electronics, enhancing your technical skills. The role also builds confidence in public speaking and presentation, as you'll lead workshops and engage with diverse audiences. You'll develop leadership and mentoring abilities, valuable for guiding and inspiring others, while honing problem-solving and adaptability skills through real-world challenges. Additionally, you'll gain experience in workshop design and project management, showcasing your ability to plan, organise, and deliver events. Beyond technical and professional growth, this role allows you to make a meaningful impact on the community, helping others unlock their creativity and potential. It’s an excellent opportunity to build your CV, develop transferable skills, and gain real-world experience to stand out in your future career.

Time Commitment

We recommend a time commitment of at least 1 workshop per month for STEM Educators, with flexibility depending on their availability. Currently, workshops are held on a fortnightly basis, with the potential to expand to weekly as the Hackspace grows. While educators are not expected to commit to every session, they should be prepared to attend several evening and weekend sessions during their initial training period to ensure they gain confidence and competence in delivering workshops. As we onboard more STEM Educators, a rota system will be established to evenly distribute workshop responsibilities, ensuring a manageable and balanced commitment for all volunteers. This approach allows educators to contribute meaningfully while accommodating their individual schedules.

Driving Licence & Vehicle Required

Travel Expenses

Available in multiple locations

Further location details may be provided below.

Contact Person

Simon Ridley

Role Address

Maidstone Community Support Centre 39-48 Marsham St, Maidstone ME14 1HH

Postcode (See Google maps below)

ME14 1HH

Role Location(s)

Maidstone

Directions

By Train: Maidstone East Station: The centre is approximately a 5-minute walk from Maidstone East Station. Exit the station, walk down Station Road, and turn left onto Week Street. Continue walking until you reach the Community Support Centre. Maidstone West Station: The centre is around a 10-15 minute walk from Maidstone West Station. Exit the station, walk along the River Medway on the High Level Bridge, then head towards the town centre via Gabriel’s Hill and Week Street. Maidstone Barracks Station: The centre is about a 15-minute walk from Maidstone Barracks Station. Exit the station, cross the bridge towards the town centre, and follow signs for Week Street. By Bus: The nearest bus stops are located on Week Street and King Street, serviced by numerous local routes including Arriva buses. Routes such as 82, 101, 130, and other town services often stop close to Week Street or King Street, which are a short walk from the centre. For the most accurate routes, check the Arriva Bus Timetable or use travel apps like Google Maps for live updates.

Number of volunteers required

How to find out more

maidstone-hackspace.org.uk

Application Process

Application Form

ID Check

Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)

References

Informal Discussion (may include an interview)

Support you will receive

Wheelchair Access

Disability and Access Support

At this time, we regret that we are unable to offer full support for volunteers with disabilities or access requirements. Our office and training room are located on the 3rd floor of the Maidstone Community Support Centre, which currently has no lift access. As such, we do not advise that volunteers apply if they may find this access challenging. We understand the importance of accessibility and are actively working to address this limitation in the future to ensure our opportunities are inclusive for all.