Engineering Technician Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Hampshire, SO20 6BJ

Closes in 31 days (Sunday 16 February)

Posted on 9 January 2025

---

Summary

As a member of the Chilbolton Observatory team you will form an integral part of a small onsite team dedicated to enabling science through development and operation of radar equipment and instruments. From the 25m antenna to rain gauges, we maintain and develop instruments used by scientists from atmospheric science to satellite tracking.

• Annual wage: £18,900 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Incremental salary, increases each year of the apprenticeship

• Training course: Engineering technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

  37 hours a week

• Possible start date:

  Monday 1 September

• Duration:

  4 years

• Positions available:

  1

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

As an engineering technician apprentice, the successful applicant will learn about the variety of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems used to enable complex instrumentation. From fault finding and repairs, to design of small components, routine inspection and maintenance this apprenticeship role will enable the post holder to be exposed to a comprehensive range of mechanical, electrical and electronic activities.  
The observatory is in a remote location, and the applicant will need to have access to their own transport as public transport links are limited.

• Complete a prescribed programme of training to be conducted at RAL Space Chilbolton Observatory, within STFC. 
• Work under the guidance and support of your team within RAL Space Chilbolton Observatory. 
• Work safely and in line with established safety measures at the Observatory on a day-to-day basis. 
• Obtain a high level of competence in order to carry out the maintenance, operation, repair, installation and commissioning of the 25 m antenna and other instrumentation including power supplies and associated equipment needed to run the Chilbolton Observatory facility. Gain the skills required to confidently fault find the electronic and mechanical systems used at the Observatory. 
• Obtain a high level of skill in the installation of new electronic and mechanical systems contributing towards Chilbolton Observatory upgrade projects. 
• As an STFC Apprentice you will 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. 
• Champion the RAL Space Chilbolton Observatory in a positive manner. 
• Deliver a high level of customer service to visiting staff and scientists.
• Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery.  

Where you’ll work

Chilbolton Observatory

Drove Road

Chilbolton, Stockbridge

Hampshire

SO20 6BJ

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

NEWBURY COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

Through the training provider, Newbury College, you will undertake a Level 3 Engineering Technician – Mechatronics pathway apprenticeship standard which will include:  

• Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification – Level 3 Engineering Technician – Mechatronic pathway Engineering Technician: Mechatronics Maintenance Technician (Apprenticeship). 
• On-the-job competency training.
• Theoretical knowledge.
• You will be required to attend Newbury College on a day release basis as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered.  

More training information

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. 

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! 

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to 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. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Any (grade 4)
• Any (grade 4)
• Any (grade 4)
• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

Desirable qualifications

BTEC in:

• Related subject (grade C)

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
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working

Other requirements

The observatory is in a remote location, and the applicant will need to have access to their own transport as public transport links are limited.

About this company

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

https://www.ukri.org/councils/stfc/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.

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

Employees can access additional training including upskill apprenticeships.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NEWBURY COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000295544.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Sunday 16 February)

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.

Company’s application instructions

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.