Metrology Technician Apprentice

The Met Office

Devon (EX1 3PB)

Closes in 9 days (Sunday 23 March)

Posted on 27 February 2025

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Summary

This is an exciting opportunity for a budding Engineer to get involved with measurement science. If you are keen to have a career in measurement science but university or full-time further education isn’t for you, this is a fantastic way to build a long-term career within a world-renowned scientific environment.

• Wage: £21,375 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  You will have the opportunity to progress to £22,096 over time.

• Training course: Metrology technician (level 3)
• Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday. Shifts tbc.

  37 hours a week

• Possible start date:

  Tuesday 2 September

• Duration:

  3 years

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

• Support our Laboratory Team with a wide range of measurement tasks, laboratory duties and scientific research within our Calibration
• Use cutting edge technology to calibrate, test and maintain a wide variety of meteorological sensors
• Apprentices will also have the opportunity to experience varied engineering disciplines within the wider Met Office

Where you’ll work

Fitzroy Road
Exeter
Devon
EX1 3PB

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

Your training course

Metrology technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

• Identify measurement needs and make informed decisions about the measurement process and timescales required, including selection of; tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs. 
• Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process including; data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates and computer-generated information.
• Prepare the work environment and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs and determine suitability for use.
• Take action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs have been identified.
• Plan and perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies. 
• Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate and record measurement results and data in line with specifications. 
• Contribute to the production of records, reports and other measurement documentation. 
• Communicate relevant and specific information through various channels to meet customer requirements. 
• Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks. 
• Comply with relevant Health and Safety legislation, regulation, standards, industry and organisational policies and procedures and requirements relating to safe working practices. 
• Comply with policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, standards, control and handling of samples, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs. 

Your training plan

The successful candidate will undertake a work-based training programme at our Headquarters in Exeter, including 30 days per year of training at the world-leading National Physical Laboratory in Teddington which will form the core of the off-the-job training. It is organised into 6 compulsory blocks per year, each of five days duration.

More training information

Apprentices will have 1 day per week dedicated to 20% off the job training. The training will mostly be delivered face-to-face via block release as well as self-study. 

You will be managed by a line manager and have a mentor to offer further support. In addition to the formal training with a registered training provider, you will also have in house and on the job training.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English Language (grade Grade 6 or above)
• Mathematics (grade Grade 6 or above)
• Science (grade Grade 6 or above)

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

Other requirements

Before applying, we recommend you consider if the delivery method suits your learner needs along with whether you feel you are committed to your own development and training as this element forms a significant aspect of a modern apprenticeship. If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please contact us via careers@metoffice.gov.uk . You can request adjustments either within your application or by contacting us. We can only accept applications from those eligible to live and work in the UK - please refer to GOV.UK for information.

About this company

From science to technology, from meteorology to management, and from planning to communication, our expertise helps us stand out as the authority on weather accuracy and climate prediction. We help individuals, industries and government to make better decisions to stay safe and thrive. This is the Met Office. This is who we are. • We’re a force for good - focusing on our environmental and social impact • We’re experts by nature - always learning and developing to do things better • We live and breathe it - putting our purpose at the heart of decision-making • We’re better together - understanding partnerships and inclusivity make us greater • We keep evolving - pushing boundaries to make tomorrow better for our customers

Company benefits

Civil Service pension (average employer contribution of 28.97%). Annual Leave starting at 27.5days (plus Bank Holidays) rising to 32.5 days (plus Bank Holidays) after 5 years. Access to discounted shopping - retail, leisure and lifestyle brands.

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

Whilst this is a temporary position for up to 3 years, there is potential for it to develop into a permanent position on successful completion of your apprenticeship.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000306435.

Apply now

Closes in 9 days (Sunday 23 March)

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

Please complete your career history and provide evidence against each of the essential criteria in the supporting statement questionnaire. We recommend candidates use the CARL method (Context, Action, Result and Learning) for presenting evidence of experience and skills. Closing date 23/03/2025 at 23:59 with interviews completed by 02/05/2025 . You will hear from us once the closing date has passed.