Engineering Technician Apprentice Science and Technology Facilities Council
Salary: £18,900
Hours: Full time - 37 Hours
Contract Type: Fixed Term - 4 Years
Location: Chilbolton Observatory - Stockbridge
Closing date: 16th February 2025
The Science and Technology Facilities Council has over 25 years' experience in providing engineering apprenticeships and provides an excellent training ground in order to equip individuals with relevant skills and experience for their chosen career, whilst working in one of the world's leading scientific and engineering research organisations.
Our site at Chilbolton Observatory are looking to recruit an Engineering Technician Apprentice (Level 3) to join us in September 2025.
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 associated instruments. From the 25m antenna to rain gauges, we maintain and develop instruments used by a variety of scientists for applications from atmospheric science to satellite tracking.
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.
About an Apprenticeship 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.
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.
For a list of our full benefits, please visit here.
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities Your main duties/responsibilities will include:
• 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
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.
Person specification In order to apply for this role, we are looking for the following: Key - (S) will be measured at shortlisting, (I) will be measured at interview, (S&I) is both. Essential: • Achieved or predicted to achieve 5 GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths & English (S)
• Keen interest in science, engineering and technology (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills (S&I)
• Ability to follow instructions - including technical instructions (I)
• Ability to work using own initiative (I)
• Ability to demonstrate some basic electrical/mechanical/technical knowledge (I)
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace (S&I)
• Has own transport due to remote location. (S)
Desirable: • Achieved or predicted to achieve a Level 3 qualification (S)
• Hands on practical skills (I)
Important Information 1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
3. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process.
If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.
We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out
[email protected] you have any questions.
Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side?
Join us and discover what's possible!
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.
We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI) 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.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org .
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce' .
Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply 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. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. 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.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
- Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
- External Closing Date: Feb 16, 2025
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 18,900
- Hours: Full-time
