Building Services Engineering Installer Apprentice

Hours: Full time - 37 Hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 4 Years 
Location:  Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire
Closing date: 16th February 2025

The ISIS ancillary plant section at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire, are looking to recruit a Building Services Engineering Installer apprentice to join us in September 2025. As a member of ISIS Ancillary Plant section, the successful applicant will proactively support the Ancillary Plant team to ensure that ISIS is available in line with the machine availability programme. Given the diverse needs of our customer base, we’re looking for someone flexible and adaptable to respond to evolving demands effectively. 

All members of the Ancillary Plant section will, from time to time, be expected to lead or participate (appropriate to Band level) in ISIS projects that may be outside their normal remit. 

As part of your apprenticeship, you will undertake professional development and training through a mixture of online and in-person teaching with Southampton College.

Through the training provider, Southampton College, you will undertake a Building Services Engineering Installer, Level 2 followed by Level 3 during the 4-year apprenticeship. 

You will be required to attend Southampton College on a day release basis as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Travel expenses will be provided when attending in-person teaching.   

Towards the end of the apprenticeship duration there is an End Point Assessment which includes a knowledge test, a portfolio of evidence with interview and a professional observation. 

About the Apprenticeship

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role.  

If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else. 

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover! 

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements. 

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.  

About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities

This apprenticeship role will support the undertaking of efficient and effective day to day maintenance activities relating to the mechanical services (Cooling, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and process Water Services) on ISIS at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The role reports to the Ancillary Plant Manager and will learn to carry out maintenance tasks to ensure that the ISIS HVAC services provide an efficient and continuous service to support the ISIS scientific programme. 

• Complete a prescribed programme of training to be conducted within the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory ISIS facility
• Work under the guidance and support of your team within ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
• Work safely and in line with established safety measures in the laboratory on a day-to-day basis
• Become proficient in the installation, operation, maintenance and repair of modern mechanical building services plant (HVAC) and the associated distribution systems
• Obtain a high level of competence in pipe fitting and assembly skills including the use of hand tools and marking out
• Obtain an intermediate level of competence in welding, fabrication, brazing, soldering and other jointing processes
• Gain the skills to confidently and competently undertake fault diagnosis on a range of service equipment and systems, such as fresh and foul water, environmental control, process water systems and ventilation, process control,  air-conditioning and refrigeration
• Carry out maintenance tasks and duties at the Laboratory as directed by the Ancillary Plant Section Leader and Managers, these activities will be directly relevant to the apprenticeships’ key competencies and skills and will assist the wider department in delivering their core maintenance service commitments
• As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate to staff across STFC and at all levels. You will work as part of a team as well as working on your own. You will also represent STFC through the contact you have with your training provider
• Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery 

Person Specification

In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following:

Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both.

Essential:

• Achieved or predicted to achieve 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications) (S)
• A strong and demonstrable interest in engineering (S)
• Good written communication skills as demonstrated in your CV and cover letter (S&I)
• Ability to work using own initiative, and follow instructions (I)
• Ability to work in a flexible and challenging environment (I)
• Self-motivated; willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace (I)
• Demonstrates a high level of interest and enthusiasm about the role (S&I)
• Has a clear vision of what they want to achieve and demonstrates a willingness to succeed (I)
• Experience of being part of a team or group   (S&I)

Desirable: 

• Demonstrable interest in practical subjects and activities  (S&I)
• Has a clear vision of what they want to achieve and demonstrates a willingness to succeed. (I)

Important Information

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. 
3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider. 

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.  

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? 

Join us and discover what’s possible!