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
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.