Engineering Technician 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 Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has over 25 years’ experience in providing engineering apprenticeships and provides an excellent training ground to equip individuals with the relevant skills and experience for their chosen career in either mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering. We offer a competitive salary that increases annually, 3 years supervised training, additional core skills development and the opportunity to undertake placements.   

We are looking to recruit Level 3 Engineering Apprentices to join us in September 2025 at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on our rotational engineering scheme, which has recently been enhanced to deliver a broad and intensive front loaded up-skill programme to increase the breadth of knowledge. 
 
The successful candidates will follow either a mechanical, electrical or electronic biased programme undertaking placements in our ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, RAL Space, Central Laser Facility and Technology departments. 

As part of the Level 3 Mechatronics apprenticeship, apprentices will gain specific skills and knowledge which lend themselves to working in Quantum enabled engineering through the QuEST apprenticeship programme. This gives a broad foundation covering fitting, milling, turning, surface mount soldering, welding, electronics, gas, vacuum, cryogenics etc. relevant to the Quantum sector. 
 
About an Apprenticeship at STFC

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

Through the training provider Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, you will undertake at Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship which will include: 

• Year 1: You will be based at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), Culham rotating through blocks of 4-6 weeks in duration. This will be supplemented with training relevant to STFC and giving a board engineering foundation, delivered by STFC staff, in conjunction with UKAEA, at the OAS site in Culham. 
• Year 2: You will be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), and undertake on-the-job training via placements on a rotational basis in your chosen discipline, either mechanical, electrical or electronic. Training will be in six-week blocks at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) at Culham. 
• Years 3-4: You will be fully in the workplace where you will further hone your skills to become an Engineering Technician. 

You will be required to attend OAS as required as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered.   
 
For more information about the training provider, please visit: Level 3 Apprenticeships | OAS and to learn more about the apprenticeship standard Mechatronics Maintenance Technician / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

You will complete your portfolio before undertaking your End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will include an observation with questions and an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. 
 
As a rotating engineering apprentice your main duties/responsibilities will include: 

• Complete a prescribed programme of training to be conducted within the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory   
• Work under the guidance and support of your team within each placement  
• 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. 
• 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   
     

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be expected to support scientists from all over the world as they continue to push back the barriers of science. 
 
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 5 passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths & English (S)
• Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills  (I)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team (S&I)
• Good communication skills (both written and verbal)   (S&I)
• Self-motivated; willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace (I)
• Ability to work using own initiative (I)

Desirable: 

• IT literacy and working with Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (S)

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!