Public Engagement Business Administrator Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: 19514 per annum(rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term 24 months
Hours: Full-time 37 hours
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell Campus Didcot OX11 0QX
Closing Date: 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026
Start Date: September 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our friendly Public Engagement Teamof six people based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. The National Laboratories Public Engagement Group composed of 15team membersacross three sites supportsSTFCtoinspireand excitethe public about our science and technology through events and activities. A key part of this is involving STFC staff in these events to give insight into their work. We are looking for someone to support us in coordinating early career staff involvement with public engagement events.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

Were looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice youll gain real-world experience build technical and professional skills and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic supportive environment.

Youll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator structured training practical experience and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus youll have access to workshops a peer network and career development support helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

Why join the Public Engagement Team at STFC

The National Labs Public Engagement Grouphelps people across the UK discover and connect with science and technology in meaningful ways. We create exciting opportunitiesfrom hands-on events and school visits to national campaigns and partnershipsthatshowcasethe incredible research happeningat STFC. Our work focuses on making science accessible to all especially young people and communities who may nothave many opportunities to get involved. Whetheritssupportingourstaff to build confidence in public engagement or working with local groups tocreateinspiring activitiestogetherwerepassionate about makingSTEM (science technologyengineeringand maths)relevantinclusiveand fun. Ifyourekeen to help others explore the wonders of sciencewedlove to welcome you to the team!

Qualifications gained

Business Administrator -Business administrator / Skills England

Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship -Business Administration - Abingdon & Witney College

What youll learn

Objectivescovered:

Understands organisational purpose activities aims values vision for the futureresourcesand the way that the political/economic environment affects the organisation.

• Knows organisational structure anddemonstratesunderstanding of how their workbenefitsthe organisation. Knows how they fit within their team and recognises how their skills can help them to progress their career.
• Has a practical knowledge of managing stakeholders and their differing relationships to an organisation. This includes internal and external customersclientsand/or suppliers. Liaises with internal/external customerssuppliersor stakeholders from inside or outside the UK. Engages and fosters relationships with suppliers and partner organisations.
• Understands laws and regulations that apply to their role including data protection health & safety compliance etc. Supports the company in applying the regulations.
• Understands the organisations internal policies and key business policies relating to sector.
• Understands the applicability of business principles such as managing change businessfinancesand project management.

Training provider

As part of yourLevel 3 Business Administration apprenticeship you will engage in structured professional development and training through a combination of online learning and 10 days of in-person teaching at Abingdon & Witney College scheduled between September and December.

You will complete 12 formal assessments and receive dedicated support to develop the required skills and behaviours for your apprenticeship. This will include building a comprehensive portfolio of evidence and completing a work-based project both of which are essential for your Independent End Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA will consistofknowledge testportfolio-based interview&project/improvement presentation

More information is available via:

Business administrator / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Business Administration - Abingdon & Witney College

What Youll Be Doing Day-to-day responsibilities

Main duties/responsibilities will include:

• Building andmaintainingrelationships with early career staff throughregular communicationin a business environment
• Shared responsibility for public inboxes including replyingin a timely manner answering queriesmaintainingaccurateand easily accessible records
• Coordinating and organising training sessions for early career staff
• Coordinating volunteering opportunities for early careers staff which can include liaising directly with schools universities or colleges arranging transport and/or arranging delivery of materials
• Maintainingaccurateand accessible records of early career staff volunteering and training
• Supporting the Public Engagement Teamand Skills Centre Teamwith delivery of on-site eventsand off-site career fairs
• Maintaining and updatingan internalwebsite including producingcontent such asnews articles

Entry Requirements

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S) Interview (I) or both (S&I).

We are looking for the following:

Essential

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn both in the workplace and through formal training (S&I)
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally verbally and in writing with a variety of people (S&I)
• Attention to detail/accuracy (S)
• Experience of being part of a team or group (I)
• Ability to organise tasks effectively whilst meeting deadlines (I)

Desirable

• Interest in and enthusiasm for STFC science (I)
• Experience building positive relationships with people indifferent rolesand with different personalities(I)

Important Information

• 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 2026 we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
• When applying for an apprenticeship there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
• 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.

We will be in touch after the closing date however please reach out on if you have any questions.

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

This role involves working with children and vulnerable young adults. As such the successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

For a list of our full benefits please visithere.

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: to apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

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

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together our scientists technologists engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europes largest research organisations by your side Join us and discover whats possible!