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- Tasks: Join a four-year apprenticeship in electrical engineering, gaining hands-on experience and training.
- Company: Work at Diamond Light Source, one of the world's leading scientific facilities.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £17,395, increasing annually, plus professional registration opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in science while developing your engineering skills in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Four GCSEs at Grade C/4, including Maths and English; practical skills and a passion for technology.
- Other info: Dynamic training with excellent career growth and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects.
The predicted salary is between 17395 - 26456 £ per year.
Starting salary: £17,395 per annum (increased annually - Year 2: £20,005, Year 3: £23,004, Year 4: £26,456).
Diamond Light Source is currently offering vacancies for an Electrical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship to commence in September 2026.
About us
As one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, Diamond provides the opportunity to work and learn within an exciting and unique working environment with a vast array of scientific research that really does make a difference in shaping and changing the world and our understanding of it.
About the role
Our technicians are a vital and integral part of Diamond and the work that is undertaken here. This is a four-year programme working towards a Level 3 Advanced Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, specialising in electrical engineering whilst working at Diamond.
Year 1
You will spend your first year full-time at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) in Culham. Training will be delivered in blocks of 4–6 weeks by OAS and will rotate with supplementary training also delivered at OAS. This will provide a multi-disciplined foundation, covering essential skills in electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineering.
Year 2
You will be based at Diamond, undertaking rotational placements with our experienced Engineering Technicians. Throughout the year, you will also attend 4–6 week training blocks at OAS to continue building your technical knowledge.
Years 3–4
You will work full-time at Diamond, gaining comprehensive on-the-job training across a variety of placements. This hands-on experience will allow you to further develop your skills in mechanical and electrical engineering, preparing you for a career as an Engineering Technician. You will also have the opportunity to become professionally registered as an EngTech upon successful completion of the programme.
As your knowledge and skills develop, the role will expand to include the following responsibilities:
- 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.
- 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.
- Mechanical and electrical/electronic fault finding.
- Ensuring that all work is carried out safely.
- Diagnosing and rectifying faults on a range of circuits and equipment.
About you
To be considered for a Diamond apprenticeship you will demonstrate:
- Good practical skills to work with hand and power tools.
- An interest in science and technology and a commitment to keep up to date with industry developments.
- A methodical approach to work and using your own initiative.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Attention to detail.
- Good communication skills.
- Good problem solving skills.
- Good IT knowledge.
- Ability to understand and follow safety rules and regulations.
- Ability to work unsupervised and as part of a team.
Qualifications required
You must have achieved (or be expecting) four GCSEs (or equivalent) at Grade C/4, including Mathematics and English. You must be able to make your own travel arrangements to Diamond (at the Harwell Campus) and to Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (in Culham).
To apply
Applications must be submitted to Oxfordshire Advanced Skills via this link Apply | OAS. Applications made via the Diamond 'Apply Now' button will not be accepted. The closing date for applications is 1st March 2026. Suitable applicants will be invited to an assessment day at OAS on either February 12th or March 11th, potentially followed by an interview at Diamond during week commencing 20th April, which will include the requirement to demonstrate your skills through a previous home or school/college project that you have worked on.
Electrical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship in Abingdon employer: Diamond Light Source
Contact Detail:
Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you’ve got any DIY projects or tinkering with electronics under your belt, make sure to showcase them. Bring along photos or even the actual projects to your assessment day. It shows your passion and practical skills!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees at Diamond on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This can give you insider knowledge and maybe even a foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before your assessment day, run through common interview questions and technical problems related to electrical engineering. Get a mate to quiz you or record yourself to see how you come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super important to follow the application process as outlined. We want to see your enthusiasm for joining us at Diamond, so make sure you’re ticking all the boxes!
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for electrical engineering! Share any relevant projects or experiences that highlight your interest in science and technology. This will help us understand why you want to join our team at Diamond.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your practical skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. We want to see how your unique experiences align with what we’re looking for in an Electrical Engineering Technician.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the application process. Remember, applications must be submitted through the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills link, not via the Diamond 'Apply Now' button. Following these instructions shows us that you can adhere to guidelines, which is crucial in our field.
Be Yourself!: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value good communication skills and a methodical approach, so share your story and how you’ve developed these skills. Authenticity goes a long way in making a great impression!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your electrical engineering basics. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and terminology that are relevant to the role. Being able to discuss your understanding of electrical systems and components will show your passion and readiness for the apprenticeship.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Prepare to talk about any relevant projects you've worked on, whether at school or home. Bring along any documentation or photos if possible. This is your chance to demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for this role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the types of projects you might work on or how the training at OAS complements the hands-on experience at Diamond. This shows your genuine interest in the apprenticeship and helps you understand what to expect.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see who you are as a person, so be honest about your interests in science and technology. A positive attitude and enthusiasm can go a long way!
