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 is 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 the 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. This apprenticeship role will expose the post holder 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 and gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role.
Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and achieve your goals.
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.
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities:
* 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.
* 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.
* Obtain a high level of skill in the installation of new electronic and mechanical systems contributing towards Chilbolton Observatory upgrade projects.
* Communicate with staff across STFC and at all levels.
* 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.
* 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:
Essential:
* Achieved or predicted to achieve 5 GCSE (or equivalent) passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths & English.
* Keen interest in science, engineering, and technology.
* Good problem-solving skills.
* Ability to follow technical instructions.
* Ability to work using own initiative.
* Ability to demonstrate some basic electrical/mechanical/technical knowledge.
* Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace.
* Has own transport due to remote location.
Desirable:
* Achieved or predicted to achieve a Level 3 qualification.
* Hands-on practical skills.
Important Information
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 GCSEs in Summer 2025, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant.
We will be in touch after the closing date; however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org if 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.
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’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.
For more information about STFC please visit here.
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.
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