Summary
Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific research facilities in the world, providing an exciting opportunity to work and learn in a unique environment that is contributing to shaping and changing the world and our understanding of it. Our technicians are a critical, vital and integral part of Diamond and the important work undertaken here.
Annual wage
£16,766 a year
£16,766 in year 1 (and then increased annually)
Training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm approx.
37 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 15 September
Duration
4 years
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
* Mechanical and electrical assembly and installation of bespoke, prototype, high-tech equipment.
* Work on electro-mechanical aspects of the scientific instrumentation including - racks and field equipment and installation of motors and electrical sensors for items such as vacuum, pneumatics, water flow and temperature monitoring.
* Assembling, testing, maintaining and upgrading existing beamline equipment.
* Assisting in design, installation and commissioning of further specialist beamline equipment.
* General work, including electrical cabling, designing and building simple mechanical devices.
* Assisting Diamond scientists with user experiments.
* Carrying out regular inspection of installed equipment to comply with safety regulations.
* Competence to undertake mechanical and electrical / electronic fault finding.
* Ensuring that all work is carried out safely and using the correct processes.
* Diagnosing and rectifying faults on a range of circuits and equipment.
* Timely completion of the work relating to the apprenticeship qualifications and completion of the apprenticeship programme.
Where you’ll work
Diamond House
Harwell Science
And Innovation Campus
Didcot
OX11 0DE
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
ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
Your training course
Engineering technician (level 3)
Equal to A level
Course contents
Your training plan
The first year is spent split between 3 days at Abingdon & Witney College (Abingdon Campus) and 2 days at Diamond working towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative apprenticeship. Over the course of the remaining 3 years, you will undertake comprehensive on the job training across a variety of placements on site gaining hands-on-experience in Mechanical Assembly and Fitting, Electrical Assembly and Testing, Vacuum Engineering, CNC and Machining, Motion Controls and Engineering Office Design Practice. There will be day release to Abingdon & Witney College in years 2, 3 and 4 where you will study for the Level 3 Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship.
Delivery model:
* Work based training with your employer
* Day release to college during term time
* Regular on-site assessment and training visits across all four years
* Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and / or English (if needed)
The qualifications you'll gain are:
* Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Knowledge)
* Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills)
* Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
* Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence)
* Level 2 functional skills in maths and / or English (if required)
End Point Assessment:
* Occupational competence interview
* Professional competence assessment
* Employer endorsement of occupational and professional competence
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English Language (grade C / 4)
* Maths (grade C / 4)
GCSE in:
* Any Subject (grade C / 4)
* Any Subject (grade C / 4)
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
* Logical
* Team working
* Practical skills
* Interest in science/technology
Other requirements
Any new person applying for apprenticeship roles where Abingdon and Witney College deliver the training will be required to attend an Apprenticeship Assessment and Information Session. If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of this please call us on 01235 216216.