What you will do in your working day
As our apprentice you will receive detailed instruction, information, and training pivotal to the successful implementation of technical support within an educational setting. From dynamic workshops, a makerspace, research institutes, to elaborate laboratory areas across the entire university. You will play a key part in supporting the setup and smooth running of teaching classes and workshops.
Day to day duties will include, but not limited to the following:
* Setting out equipment in a safe and timely manner for laboratory and workshop classes
* Maintain and support the management of stock levels
* Maintain a clean safe working environment for users of the areas
* Support the development of class materials and equipment as required
* Follow defined procedures and instructions as directed by your line manager
* Demonstrate how to safely perform basic processes and procedures
* Assist with the induction and training of staff, students, and visitors so that they can work safely in controlled and sometimes hazardous environments
* Solve problems, conduct inspections, and perform basic repairs and planned preventative maintenance to equipment
* Report equipment that is faulty to minimise disruption to teaching.
* Take responsibility of resources required for your own work and those of others e.g., maintaining stocks of chemicals, consumables and materials
* Be responsive, agile, and flexible based on service need e.g., learn new techniques, maintain mandatory training, and seek additional training where appropriate
The training you will be getting
In addition to your level 3 apprenticeship qualification, we offer a unique 2 year apprenticeship programme filled to the brim with a wide range of certified qualifications such as, Producing Components Using Hand Fitting Techniques, Assembling and Testing Electronic Circuits, Electrical Safety and Fundamentals, Test Equipment and Fault Diagnosis, Soldering, Maintaining Mechanical Devices and Equipment. In addition to Safety courses such as, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Chemicals of Substance Hazardous to Health (COSHH), Safe use of Hand and Power tools, Manual Handling, Portable Appliance Testing.
The initial training is deliberately broad to teach a wide range of technical competencies allowing you time to learn and discover the variety of careers within an everchanging Science and Engineering environment.
Later in your programme you will learn to undertake many key workshop procedures, supporting research, teaching, and infrastructure requirements, independently and competently to support the university.
You will spend a mixture of time working alongside a block and day release course to gain the technical skills required to carry out your duties as a Higher Education Technician. We will provide you with all the necessary tools and equipment, uniform, and robust training to make this the apprenticeship of your choice.
What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship
Upon completion of the apprenticeship in 2 years’ time, you will have a portfolio of key science and engineering skills and a wealth of varied, relevant experience.
Most apprentices are successful in securing a role with the university or choose to continue their academic studies. Opportunities to progress onto a higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship exist for high-performing candidates upon completion of their first apprenticeship with us. Whilst we cannot guarantee a permanent position at the University of Manchester, we endeavour to match apprentices with appropriate vacancies and support them through the entire application process.