ABOUT BLACKBURN & DARWEN YOUTH ZONE

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone, opened in May 2012 as an independent Charity, but we are proud to be part of the growing OnSide Network.
We work with young people aged 5-19 (up to 25 with additional needs) and offer youth work, health and wellbeing and employability services, giving young people somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. Whilst our building and activities provide a hook for young people to initially engage with us, the relationships they develop with our team of Youth Workers ensures they return night after night. We pride ourselves as being one of the leading youth organisations in Blackburn and Darwen.
Our service to young people is focussed around a state-of-the-art, multi million pound facility that is purpose-built and remains dedicated to young people. This facility has recently undergone a 3 million pound transformation thanks to the Youth Investment Fund. This funding has allowed us to redevelop our Blackburn site to be able to offer a wider range of services for young people whilst celebrating the history of the building. Our newly developed Fusebox is the site where electricity was first generated in Blackburn. Alongside our history we also have a football pitch on our roof, this is one of Blackburn’s best kept secrets!
Our services for young people are needed more than ever and despite the prevalent challenges around the lasting impact of the pandemic, young people feeling isolated and the cost of living crisis, our team continues to provide a home from home for young people.

JOB ROLE: DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE YOUTH WORKER

Accountable to: Team Lead
Location: Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone
Status: Part time - Evenings and Weekends
Contract type : Permanent
Salary: Up to £12.21 per hour depending on age.

MAIN PURPOSE:

We are looking for a tech-savvy, creative, and energetic individual to deliver exciting, hands-on digital and creative sessions in our purpose-built Makers Zone, working with young people aged 5–19 (up to 25 with additional needs and disabilities). Making, alongside sport, the arts and youth work, is at the heart of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone’s offer. The Makers Zone provides a wide range of technical and creative opportunities including 3D printing, electronics and programming, STEAM, laser cutting, moulding and casting, and more. In partnership with The Making Rooms, an organisation dedicated to creative and technical training, you will help deliver a diverse, inclusive and engaging programme that stimulates creativity, builds practical skills, and supports personal development for young people from all backgrounds. You will use your creativity and technical know-how to inspire young people to explore digital making, express themselves, build confidence, and develop both practical and social skills through positive, engaging experiences. This is a delivery-focused role, ideal for someone with a passion for tech, design, and working directly with young people to help them realise their potential.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging Makers Zone sessions for young people aged 5–25, including those with additional needs and disabilities.
• Introduce young people to creative and technical tools such as 3D printing, coding, electronics, moulding and casting, and digital design.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with young people to develop their confidence, creativity, and technical skills.
• Ensure all sessions are well-resourced, inclusive, safe, and delivered in line with safeguarding and health & safety policies.
• Record attendance, engagement, and outcomes to support monitoring, evaluation, and funded project requirements.
• Contribute to a high-quality youth work offer that supports personal and social development through creative learning.
• Create a fun, structured, and inspiring environment that encourages participation and regular attendance.
• Support occasional events, projects, and showcases that celebrate young people’s work and achievements.
• Work collaboratively with The Making Rooms and other creative partners to enhance the programme.
• Keep the Makers Zone clean, safe, and ready for use at all times.
• Promote and reflect the values of Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone in all aspects of delivery.