Level 3 Science and Engineering Technician Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Warrington, WA4 4AD

Closes in 30 days (Sunday 16 February)

Posted on 16 January 2025

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Summary

STFC’s Accelerator Science and Technology Centre (ASTeC) are looking to recruit two apprentices to join us in Sept 2025. You will be part of the team supporting our facilities and research labs. The work will be varied, including mechanical and electrical tasks, clean vacuum work, design work and day to day lab operations and procurement.

• 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 (non-shift), times to be confirmed.

  37 hours a week

• Possible start date:

  Monday 1 September

• Duration:

  3 years 6 months

• 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

• As an Engineering apprentice, you will undertake learning and development to become an accomplished multi-skilled technician. Working under the guidance and support of a team of technicians, engineers and scientists you will be trained to work in the following areas:
• Perform mechanical/electrical assembly, installation and operation of vacuum and cryogenic systems.
• Working with Radio frequency systems, lasers and other cutting edge technologies to support accelerator science
• Coordinating with other departments (workshop, site services, logistics etc.) and contractors for delivering necessary services to ensure effective laboratory operations
• Provide ongoing support to operational facilities including fault-finding and planned maintenance

Where you’ll work

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Daresbury Laboratory

Warrington

WA4 4AD

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

RIVERSIDE COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

To support your chosen discipline, you will undertake professional development and training as part of a cohort of Engineering Technician apprentices. You will study the practical elements of the course at Riverside College in Widnes and the theoretical elements at Cronton College, also in Widnes, completing a Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship.

More training information

• In year 1 you will be full time at college.
• In year 2 and 3 you will be on site at Daresbury Laboratory 4 days per week with the 5th day being spent at college.
• There may also be an opportunity to undertake a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering during your 3rd and 4th year at Cronton College.
• In your final (4th) year, you will also complete an End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will include an observation, professional discussion and the production of a portfolio. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade Grade evidence pass at 9-4 or)
• Mathematics (grade Grade evidence pass at 9-4 or)

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
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Patience
• Physical fitness

Other requirements

You will be required to attend Riverside 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. STFC are looking for candidates who have achieved or are predicted to achieve GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English.

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://stfc.ukri.org/ (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

Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification – Level 3 Engineering Technician – Mechatronic Pathway with the possible opportunity of a permanent position with STFC on successful completion of the Apprenticeship. Progression will be discussed on completion

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

RIVERSIDE COLLEGE

apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000296674.

Apply now

Closes in 30 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.