Engineering Technician (Mechanical) Advanced Apprenticeship

Summary

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific research facilities in the world, providing an exciting opportunity to work and learn in a unique environment that is contributing to shaping and changing the world and our understanding of it. Our technicians are a critical, vital and integral part of Diamond and the important work undertaken here.

Annual wage

£16,766 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

£16,766 in year 1 (and then increased annually)

Training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm approx.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 15 September

Duration

4 years

Positions available

2

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Mechanical and electrical assembly and installation of bespoke, prototype, high-tech equipment
Work on electro-mechanical aspects of the scientific instrumentation including - racks and field equipment and installation of motors and electrical sensors for items such as vacuum, pneumatics, water flow and temperature monitoring
Assembling, testing, maintaining and upgrading existing beamline equipment
Assisting in design, installation and commissioning of further specialist beamline equipment
General work, including electrical cabling, designing and building simple mechanical devices
Assisting Diamond scientists with user experiments
Carrying out regular inspection of installed equipment to comply with safety regulations
Competence to undertake mechanical and electrical / electronic fault-finding
Ensuring that all work is carried out safely and using the correct processes
Diagnosing and rectifying faults on a range of circuits and equipment
Timely completion of the work relating to the apprenticeship qualifications and completion of the apprenticeship programme

Where you’ll work

Diamond House

Harwell Science

And Innovation Campus

Didcot

OX11 0DE

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

The first year is spent split between 3 days at Abingdon & Witney College (Abingdon Campus) and 2 days at Diamond. Over the course of the remaining 3 years, you will undertake comprehensive on the job training across a variety of placements on site, gaining hands-on experience in Mechanical Assembly and Fitting, Electrical Assembly and Testing, Vacuum Engineering, CNC and Machining, Motion Controls and Engineering Office Design Practice. There will be day release to Abingdon & Witney College in years 2, 3 and 4 where you will study for the Level 3 Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.

Delivery model:

Work-based training with your employer
Day release to college during term time
Regular on-site assessment and training visits across all four years
Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and / or English (if needed)

The qualifications you'll gain are:

Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Knowledge)
Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills)
Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence)
Level 2 functional skills in Maths and / or English (if required)

End Point Assessment:

Occupational competence interview
Professional competence assessment
Employer endorsement of occupational and professional competence

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English Language (grade C / 4)
Maths (grade C / 4)

GCSE in:

Any Subject (grade C / 4)
Any Subject (grade C / 4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Practical skills
Interest in science/technology

Other requirements

Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon and Witney College deliver the training will be required to attend an Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session . If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of this please call us on 01235 216216.

About this company

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology. As one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, Diamond provides the opportunity to work and learn within an exciting and unique working environment with a vast array of scientific research that really does make a difference in shaping and changing the world and our understanding of it. Our technicians are a critical, vital and integral part of Diamond and the work that is undertaken here.

https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home.html (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

For the right candidates, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, this could lead to permanent employment as an Engineering Technician at Diamond. Diamond also provides further development opportunities for employees, which may include higher level apprenticeships, training and / or study as examples.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DIAMOND LIGHT SOURCE LIMITED

Dawn Maskens

diamondapprenticeships@diamond.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000291186.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 31 January

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

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