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- Tasks: Join a four-year apprenticeship to develop mechanical engineering skills and work on high-tech equipment.
- Company: Diamond Light Source, a leading scientific facility making a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with annual increases and hands-on training in a unique environment.
- Why this job: Gain real-world experience while contributing to groundbreaking scientific research.
- Qualifications: Four GCSEs at Grade C/4, including Maths and English; practical skills and a passion for technology.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional registration as an EngTech upon completion.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1160 Ā£ per month.
Starting salary: Ā£17,395 per annum (increased annually - Year 2: Ā£20,005, Year 3: Ā£23,004, Year 4: Ā£26,456).
Diamond Light Source is currently offering vacancies for a Mechanical 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. Our fourāyear programme works towards a Level 3 Advanced Engineering Technician Apprenticeship, specialising in mechanical engineering while working at Diamond.
- Year 1: You will spend your first year fullātime at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) in Culham. Training will be delivered in blocks of 4ā6 weeks by OAS and will rotate with supplementary training also delivered at OAS. This will provide a multiādisciplined 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 4ā6 week training blocks at OAS to continue building your technical knowledge.
- Years 3ā4: You will work fullātime at Diamond, gaining comprehensive onātheājob training across a variety of placements. This handsāon 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, highātech equipment.
- Work on electroāmechanical 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 problemāsolving 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 12 or March 11, potentially followed by an interview at Diamond during week commencing 20 April, which will include the requirement to demonstrate your skills through a previous home or school / college project that you have worked on.
Mechanical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship in Abingdon employer: Diamond Light Source
Contact Detail:
Diamond Light Source Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice š¤«
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship in Abingdon
āØTip Number 1
Get your hands on some practical experience! Whether it's through school projects or personal tinkering, show off what you've built or fixed. This will not only impress the interviewers but also give you a chance to talk about your problem-solving skills.
āØTip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills. Being able to explain complex ideas simply is key in engineering. Practice discussing your projects with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your work.
āØTip Number 3
Donāt forget to research Diamond Light Source! Knowing about their work and how you can contribute will set you apart. It shows you're genuinely interested and ready to dive into the role.
āØTip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through the right channels. Plus, itās a great way to ensure youāre in the loop for any updates or next steps in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Technician Advanced Apprenticeship in Abingdon
Some tips for your application š«”
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering! Share any projects or experiences that highlight your interest in science and technology. This will help us understand why you're a great fit for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with what we're looking for, like your practical skills and problem-solving abilities. This shows us youāve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to easily understand your qualifications and experiences, so make it easy for us to see why youād be a great addition to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, to apply for this apprenticeship, you need to submit your application through the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills website. Donāt forget to follow the instructions carefully to ensure your application gets to the right place!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diamond Light Source
āØKnow Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering basics. Familiarise yourself with the tools and techniques mentioned in the job description, like electrical assembly and fault finding. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
āØShow Off Your Projects
Since you'll need to demonstrate skills from a previous project, pick something that highlights your practical abilities. Whether itās a school project or a personal endeavour, be ready to explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This is your chance to shine!
āØAsk Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the work at Diamond. This shows that youāre engaged and eager to learn. You might ask about the types of projects youāll be involved in or how the training at OAS complements the hands-on experience at Diamond.
āØBe Yourself
While it's important to be professional, donāt forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if youāll fit into their team. Be honest about your interests in science and technology, and share why youāre excited about this opportunity. Authenticity goes a long way!
