An art technician is United Kingdom's equivalent to a United States' teacher aide who is specifically based in the art faculty of a school. While an obvious passion for art is necessary, you do not have to be the next Vincent Van Gogh in order to undertake this job.
An art technician is based in an educational environment such as a school or college, and provides support to staff and students. Art technicians work with a range of ages from young children to adults. They often assist the art teacher with preparing and setting up classes. The job also includes working with pupils during the actual lesson. Between classes, an art technician may be required to restock materials or order supplies.
An art technician's role may include preparing lessons and working alongside students during class, assisting them with projects and demonstrating artistic techniques. They also may be expected to order and maintain an inventory of materials, such as paints, canvases and brushes; tidy up after a lesson; and maintain displays of artwork throughout the school. They may be assigned general administrative tasks, such as photocopying. They are also expected to maintain health and safety standards.
Locations and Hours
An art technician's hours typically follow those of a standard school day, roughly Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, staff are often expected to arrive early and stay behind in order to prepare and tidy classrooms. Those who assist faculty at a university or evening class will have non-traditional hours.
Art technicians must be able to work within a team. They are expected to be enthusiastic, passionate and have the ability to use their initiative. Creative and artistic skills are appreciated. If you have featured artwork in an exhibition, for example, make this clear to your potential employer. Computer skills are also valued, especially for art technicians who work in technical schools.
In order to become an art technician, education in art is not required, but is favoured. A college degree is not necessary; generally, a college-level course in art or art history (such as that of a British "A Level") is usually enough.