Engineering Technician Apprentice

Hours: Full time - 37 Hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term – 4 Years 
Location: Boulby, Saltburn-on-Sea
Closing date: 16th February 2025

Boulby Underground Laboratory is part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). We are looking to recruit a Level 3 Engineering Technician Product Design and Development Apprentice to join us in September 2025. The apprentice will be part of the team supporting and facilitating a number of multidisciplinary science projects in the underground laboratory. STFC has over 20 years’ experience in providing apprenticeships and provides an excellent training ground to equip individuals with the relevant skills and experience within the science and engineering arena. 

As an engineering apprentice you will use novel and technology-enabled processes to support the ongoing operation of the lab. You will be based at Boulby Underground Laboratory, where you will work with scientists, technicians, and engineers from around the world as they continue to push back the barriers of science. Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and rapid manufacturing techniques, you will contribute to the design and manufacture of mechanical parts and assemblies to support a broad range of engineering and scientific requirements. You will assemble mechanical, electrical and electronic components using hand-fitting techniques, as well as being involved in testing parts and assemblies to specifications, both underground and in the surface lab. 

About Boulby Underground Laboratory 

The Boulby Underground Laboratory is located at Boulby Mine on the north-east coast of England and on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. It is the UK’s deep underground science facility and has hosted deep underground science since the 1990s. It is a special place for science – a ‘quiet place in the universe’ – where studies can be carried out almost entirely free of interference from natural background radiation. Projects at the Boulby Underground Laboratory range from astrophysics (including the search for dark matter) to ultra-low background material screening, studies of geology and geophysics, climate, the environment, life in extreme environments on Earth and beyond. You can learn more about us here

About an 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

• Complete a prescribed programme of training to be conducted within the Boulby Underground Laboratory  
• Work under the guidance and support of your team
• Work safely and in line with established safety measures in the laboratory on a day-to-day basis  
• Follow procedures and risk assessments with supervision.  
• As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate with 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   

Qualifications gained: 

• Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)  
• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering – Product Design and Development Technician (Development Competence)  
• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge)  

You will be required to attend East Durham College one day a week as required as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered.   

You will be enrolled onto the Level 3 Engineering Technician - Product Design and Development Pathway on a four-year apprenticeship at East Durham College;   

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 including Maths, English (S)
• A strong and demonstrable interest in science, engineering and technology (S&I)
• Ability to demonstrate some basic technical engineering knowledge and skill  (I)
• Ability to work using own initiative (I)
• Ability to follow instructions including technical instructions in English (I)
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace  (S&I)
• Able to work independently and as part of a team (I)
• Good communication skills (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills (I)  

Desirable: 

• Experience of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook). (S)

 
Applicants must be 18 years or over to comply with site health and Safety regulations 

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!