Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship). Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 48 months. Hours: Full-time, 37 hours. Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX. Closing Date: 2nd February 2026.

Do you want to learn how world‑leading experiments happen and play a part in cutting‑edge research? We’re looking for an enthusiastic individual who wants to start their engineering career in the Sample Environment department at ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. Instead of just watching science happen, you’ll be helping to make it possible! This is your chance to gain practical engineering skills, work in a world‑class facility, and kick‑start a career in science and technology.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC: We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real‑world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting‑edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.

Why join the Sample Environment Group at STFC? You will be working in a team of 30 across four sections to support the ISIS user support run, along with collaborating with other user facilities worldwide on development projects and upgrading our bespoke equipment.

Qualifications gained: Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Single Discipline Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England.

What you’ll learn:

• To work safely in an engineering environment.
• To follow safety procedures and regulations.
• Technical skills to fulfil your role.
• How to set up and operate a range of different machines including manual, CNC (Computer Numerical Control), and EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining).

Training provider: Through the training provider Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, you will undertake at Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship which will include:

• Year 1: You will be based at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), Culham rotating through blocks of 4‑6 weeks in duration. This will be supplemented with training relevant to STFC and giving a broad engineering foundation, delivered by STFC staff, in conjunction with UKAEA, at the OAS site in Culham.
• Year 2: You will be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) with training in 4–6‑week blocks at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) at Culham across the year.
• Years 3‑4: You will be fully in the workplace where you will further hone your skills to become a Sample Environment Technician.

What You’ll Be Doing– Day‑to‑day responsibilities:

• Build, Plan, and Maintain Equipment: Prepare and assemble sample environment kits, ensuring all components are ready. Communicate with scientists and team members to confirm requirements, then test equipment to enable experiments under the required conditions.
• Design Bespoke Solutions: Create custom sample environment “widgets” as needed for specific research requirements.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all workplace safety procedures, including general health and safety and radiation safety protocols.

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).
• An awareness of basic health and safety.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training.
• Good problem‑solving skills.
• Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Good communication skills (both written and verbal).
• IT literacy and working with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

How to apply: For more information and to apply, please click apply within this advert. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. What could you achieve with the world‑leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what’s possible!