Engineering Technician Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: 19514 per annum(rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term 48 months
Hours: Full-time 37 hours
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell Campus Didcot OX11 0QX
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026
Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about how things work and love solving technical problems Join us as an Engineering Apprentice and kick-start your future in a dynamic hands-on role.

Whetheryourefascinated by machines electronics design or innovation this is your chance to turn passion into while you learn gain real-world experience on exciting projects work alongside expert engineers who will mentor and support you and build skills that open doors to a rewarding career in engineering where every day is different.

Ifyoureready to build the futureone project at a time we want to hear from you!

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 Engineering Rotational Scheme at STFC

• Earn while you learn with aLevel 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
• Gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities
• Work on projects that supportcutting-edgescience and innovation
• Build skills that open doors to a rewarding career in engineering

You will specialise in one of three disciplines:mechanicalelectricalor electronic

Whichever path youtakeyoullstart with the basics and progress to complex projects that support world-leading science.

Through ourQuESTprogrammeand partnership withOxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS)youllbuilda strong foundationin high-value skills such as:

• Precision fitting milling and turning
• Surface mount soldering and electronic systems
• High purity gas systems and machine welding
• Scientific vacuum technology and cryogenics

Qualifications gained

• Level 3EngineeringMaintenance Technician Apprenticeship Single Discipline

Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England

• L4 HNC (subject to eligibility criteria)

What youll learn:

• Safe working practices and engineering regulations
• How to set up andoperatemanual CNC and EDM machines
• Producing and interpreting technical drawings CAD files and procedures
• Using engineering methods toidentifyproblems and create solutions
• Collaborating with engineers technicians and scientists from around the world

Training provider

Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS)

Programme Structure

• Year 1:Full-time training at OAS in Culham rotating through 46 weekblocks. Supplemented withQuESTmodules delivered by STFC staffin collaboration with UKAEA covering technologies for Quantum Fusion and high-tech engineering.
• Year 2:On-the-job training at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) with rotational placements in your chosen discipline plus continued OAS blocks.
• Years 34:Fully embedded in the workplace applying your skills in real-world engineering environments as you progress toward becoming a qualified Engineering Technician.

Travel to OAS isrequired with excess costs covered.

For more information about the training provider pleasevisit:Level 3 Apprenticeships OAS

What Youll Be Doing Day-to-day responsibilities

As a rotating engineering apprentice your main duties/responsibilities will includeworkingunder the guidance and support of your team within each placement.

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.

Inthe different disciplines:

Mechanical Apprentice

• Youllhelp make mechanical parts and assemblies using both modern technology and traditional methods.
• At firstyoullwork in manual machining workshops to practice the skills you learned in your first year.
• Lateryoullmove into different areas such as:
• CNC machining (computer-controlled machines)
• Technician roles working with vacuum systems gases cryogenicsetc
• Design work usinga range of CAD and simulationengineering tools

Electrical Apprentice

• Youlllearn how to installdifferent typesof cabling from small control wires to largehigh-voltagecables.
• Youllpractice soldering tiny components sometimes under a microscope.
• Youllalso learn how to set up trunking and conduit (protective channels for cables) and how to test repair andmaintainelectrical systems.

There are opportunities to:

• Work on electrical design using CAD software
• Learn automation and controls including programming PLC/HMI systems
• Help commission (set up and test) these systems for real applications

Electronic Apprentice

• Youllwork with advanced electronics from small chips to large data systems used in global scientific research.
• Early onyoullpractice core skills like soldering crimping building prototype boards and using test equipment (multimeters oscilloscopes etc.).
• As you progressyoullmove into fault finding designing and building circuits.
• Youllhandle a wide range of technologies fromhigh-voltagecircuits to printed circuit boards with components smaller than a grain of rice.

Entry Requirements

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

We are looking for the following:

• 5GCSEsincludingMaths 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 (I)
• A genuine interest in science engineering or technology and the work of STFC(S&I)
• An interest in how things work and a willingness to develop technical skills through hands-on experience(S&I)
• Enjoys solving problems thinking things through andcoming up withideas thatwork(I)
• Passion for technical projects related to this apprenticeship(S&I)
• Confident using a computer especially tools like Word Excel and Outlook(S)

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship you will need to evidence 5 GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C (or equivalent) including 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.

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

Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate.

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.

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