Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £18,900 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 4 Years
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours
Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX
Closing Date: Wednesday, 17th September 2025
Interview Date: 2nd October and 3rd October 2025
Start Date: October 2025
About an Apprenticeship at STFC
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 You'll have access to additional core skills development, 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.
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.
About the Role
We are looking to recruit Level 3 Engineering Apprentices to join us in September 2025 at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory on our rotational engineering scheme. This has recently been enhanced to deliver a broad and intensive front loaded up-skill programme to increase the breadth of knowledge.
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.
Key Responsibilities:
* 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.
What you will learn
Through the training provider Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, you will undertake a 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 broad 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 rotational placements 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.
We are looking for the following
* Achieved or predicted to achieve 5 passes at Grade C/4 or above, including Maths & English
* Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill
* Good problem-solving skills
* Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
* Good communication skills (both written and verbal)
* Self-motivated; willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace
* Ability to work using own initiative
Other relevant information
When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met. Check your eligibility: Apprenticeship funding rules, 2025 to GOV.UK
How to Apply
For
full details/important information
and to apply, click 'Apply' within this LinkedIn Ad, which will direct you to our external Careers Page. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.