Installation Electrician 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 offer a number of apprenticeships. The unique nature of the work undertaken at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory contributes to an interesting enjoyable and rewarding period of training in one of the world’s leading scientific and engineering research organisations.  

As a Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprentice in the ISIS Electrical Services Group, the post holder will work across the Electrical Maintenance and Electrical Installation sections. This will ensure that the post holder will be exposed to a vast variety of electrical work ranging from new installation project work of complex advanced electrical systems to the maintenance of the facilities electrical infrastructure.

Successful applicants will attend Newbury College on a day release basis leading to the industry recognised EAL level 3 Electrotechnical Qualification over a four-year period.  At the end of the four-year training period you will sit the AM2 electrical trade assessment as well as the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.  

About the 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.  

Summary of key duties and responsibilities

The Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprentice role is an ideal start to a career in the Electrical Engineering Sector. If successful in this position you will: 

• Complete a prescribed program of training to be conducted at ISIS, within STFC.
• Become proficient in the maintenance of complex electrical LV systems and associated electrical equipment.
• Obtain a high level of competence in Electrical Installation tasks whilst working on a range of advanced electrical projects.
• Obtain a high level of competence in the testing and inspection of low voltage electrical circuits.
• Gain the skills to confidently and competently undertake fault diagnosis on a range of low voltage electrical equipment and systems.
• As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate with staff across STFC at all levels. You will work as part of a team as well as working on your own. 
• You will also have contact throughout your apprenticeship with college tutors and visitors to site. Champion the ISIS Electrical Services Group in a positive manner.
• Deliver a high level of customer service.
• Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery. 

Through the training provider Newbury College, you will undertake a Level 3 Electrical Installation Apprenticeship which will include: 

• Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification - Level 3 Electrical Installation.
• Day release at Newbury College along with on-the-job competency training.
• Electrotechnical Apprenticeship Qualification
• You will have your knowledge, skills and behaviours evaluated at the end of your apprenticeship by taking the end-point assessment.  

For more information about the training provider, please visit: Installation and Maintenance Electrician (Apprenticeship) and to learn more about the apprenticeship standard Installation and maintenance electrician / 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, an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, and a multiple-choice test. 

Due to the diverse nature of the facility the post holder will be expected to demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach to ensure that the ISIS scientific program is fully supported. 

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 GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths & English (S)
• Ability to work using own initiative, and follow instructions (S&I)
• Ability to work in a flexible and challenging environment  (I)
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required at college and in the lab.  (S&I)
• Self-disciplined (S&I)
• Demonstrates a high level of interest and enthusiasm about the role (S&I)
• Able to work as part of a team (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!