Scientific Instrument Apprentice Technician

XDS Oxford Limited

OXFORD, OX2 0ES

Closes on Thursday 31 July 2025

Posted on 11 February 2025


Summary

The vacancy is for an apprentice to train as a Scientific Instrument Technician. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to gain valuable scientific knowledge and experience of scientific instrumentation and its applications, at the same time gaining recognised engineering qualifications.

Training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
XDS Oxford operates a Flexible Hours Scheme, allowing a choice of start and finish times to suit individual requirements. Standard working pattern is 8 hours (plus half hour lunch break) Mon - Thurs, 5 hours Friday.

37 hours a week

Possible start date

Monday 1 September

Duration

3 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

Working alongside XDS Technicians and Engineers, the apprentice will train in the skills required for the assembly and test of components, sub-assemblies and final product to agreed specifications, quality and time/cost objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Manufacture components, fixtures and test equipment to specifications.
  • Participate in improvement projects and problem-solving activities.
  • Maintain plant, test equipment and tools in good working order.

Where you’ll work

UNIT 1

FERRY MILLS

OSNEY MEAD

OXFORD

OX2 0ES

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

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Your training course

Engineering technician (level 3)

Equal to A level

Course contents

Your training plan

Qualifications included:

  • Engineering Technician - Apprenticeship Standard.
  • Company Training Plan.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering Foundation Competencies (full time at college for Year 1)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Development Knowledge (1 day per week for 2 years at college).
  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering - Development Competence (workplace).
  • Level 2 Functional Skills- Maths (if required).
  • Level 2 Functional Skills - English (if required).
  • End Point Assessment.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • A Min of 5 GCSE's inc Science, English & Maths (grade 5-9 / C-A*)

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
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Time Management
  • Interest in Engineering
  • Motivated
  • Inquisitive Mind
  • Flexible attitude

Other requirements

College will be in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

About this company

XDS Oxford is a recognised and established leader in the supply of beamline components to the scientific community, specialising in the design, assembly, test, installation and commissioning of high value systems. With over 25 years’ experience in the global synchrotron industry, XDS has built an extensive product range and continues to work with industry experts to expand and develop this range to provide new solutions capable of supporting the increasing demands of the scientific community. Continual investment in new production and test facilities, together with the recruitment of key staff, ensure that XDS Oxford remains at the forefront of beamline technology and supply.

https://xds-oxford.com (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

  • Development in the role of Technician could offer world-wide travel opportunities for installation of systems. With time and experience, there is potential to secure roles such as Senior Technician and Production Leader.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Sally Parr

s.parr@theengineeringtrust.org

07879 128768

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000302847.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 31 July 2025

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

Company’s application instructions

Please use the link to fill out an application form.