Mechanical 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: Daresbury Laboratory Keckwick Lane Daresbury WA4 4AD
Closing Date: Sunday 2nd February 2026
Interview Date: Allocated between 23rd February to 6th March
Start Date: September 2026

Whether youre about to leave school/college changing career or are seeking an exciting alternative to university this could be just the start youre looking for earn as you learn by undertaking an Engineering Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering at the STFC Daresbury Laboratory in the Technology Department as part of the Engineering Technology Centre where you will become a Mechanical Technician or Designer.

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 Technology Group at STFC

As an Engineering apprentice working within Technology Department at Daresbury Laboratory you will undertake learning and development to become an accomplished Mechanical Technician or Designer. Working daily on real world large scientific and cutting-edge technology systems that further build human knowledge and capabilities to tackle some of the most complex issues impacting people and society today. Working with expert staff you will learn the hands-on skills engage in problem solving on complex systems as well as the accompanying academic knowledge through college day release.

Qualifications gained

• L3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Qualification (seeEngineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England for further information)
• L4 HNC (Optional)

Professional Recognition

• This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)

• This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)

What Youll Learn

• Maintain and promote work site health safety and environmental compliance. For example conduct risk assessments and follow emergency procedures.
• Liaise with stakeholders on maintenance work. For example pre-job briefings to plan work to co-ordinate work with other maintenance disciplines and to provide technical and regulatory advice.
• Prepare for engineering maintenance work. For example organise resources obtain supplies of consumables and order parts.
• Review job requirements and accept. For example accept safe system of work or permit to work.
• Ensure work meets regulatory industry and company quality standards.
• Conduct post job close out. For example sign-off job handover engineering plant and equipment.
• Complete engineering maintenance records to company requirements. For example job reports stock control records and fault-finding reports.
• Contribute to improvement activities. For example support alternative ways of working to improve safety reliability sustainability reduce cost or drive efficiency. Complete continued professional development.
• Conduct planned preventative and reactive maintenance on mechanical aspects of plant equipment and systems.
• Conduct fault diagnosis and problem solving on mechanical aspects of plant equipment and systems.
• Remove and replace mechanical plant equipment and systems.
• Conduct inspection examination and testing of mechanical aspects of plant.
• Ensure availability and performance of mechanical maintenance tools and equipment.

Training provider

Riverside and Cronton College - Click here for link to provider website

Apprenticeship Delivery

Year 1 you will spend the first full year (during term time only) with the education provider. During half term breaks you will be back on site within the Technology Group at Daresbury Laboratory.

Years 2 to 4 you will spend 4 days per week within the Technology Group at Daresbury Laboratory and the 5th day will be spent with the education provider.

Note There will be regular one-to-one coaching sessions with an assessor.

What Youll Be Doing Day-to-day responsibilities

Mechanical Engineering Apprenticesusenovel and technology-enabled processes to contribute to the manufacture and integration of mechanical parts and assemblies. This supports a broad range of engineering requirements from large scale machinery to small precise equipment. You will also support work in vacuum compressed gasses cryogenics and mechanical design. This will include bench fitting and the use of 3D printers Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) and conventional machining techniques.

Entry Requirements

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

We are looking for the following:

• GCSEs in at least 4 subjects to include Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) and at least one additional STEM related subject (S)
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
• Strong demonstrable interest in science engineering and technology (S/I)
• Ability to demonstrate basic technical engineering knowledge and problem-solving skills (S/I)
• Ability to follow technical instructions in English (I)
• Ability to work in a team or independently (S/I)
• Good communication skills (S/I)
• Basic computing skills (S/I)

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship you will need to evidence 4x passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths English one further STEM related subject and one subject of any discipline. 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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