Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice - Apprentice Scheme 2026

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs. UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements with the goal to bring fusion electricity to the grid. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an UKAEA Apprentice, you will benefit from:

• 20% dedicated study time and you will be joining a supportive community of learners all starting their careers together.
• Encouragement & support to achieve your qualification.
• The opportunity to get involved in the Culham Sports and Social Club, a great way to meet new people and make the most of your time at UKAEA.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £23,810.

This role is based at Culham, Oxfordshire. The scheme requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

Through UKAEA’s Apprenticeship Scheme, you will build the technical expertise, practical experience, and wider professional skills required for both your current role and future career progression. This is achieved through a combination of formal off‑the‑job learning and on‑the‑job training within a real working environment.

As a Digital Technology Solutions Apprentice, you will initially work on software development tasks related to the plasma simulation codes being developed across the unit. Initially this will involve tasks like code refactoring, development of data preprocessing and post-processing tools or user interfaces, but will develop towards more complex tasks like assisting with development of the simulation codes themselves or building data driven models over the course of the apprenticeship. The length of this apprenticeship is 48 months.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Successfully complete the nationally recognised qualification specified within the apprenticeship standard: Digital and technology solutions professional / Skills England.
• Attend the designated training provider and develop a strong understanding of the technical knowledge and skills required for the role.
• Act as an ambassador for UKAEA by representing the organisation at external outreach, engagement, and careers events.
• Development of software and infrastructure to support scientists in the development of plasma simulation capabilities.
• Assistance with deployment and execution of codes onto compute resources.
• Development of transparent user interfaces for scientists to work with simulation tools.

Qualifications:

• Entry to the course at Warwick University requires at least 112 UCAS points and a grade B A level in Maths (requirement for data analytics pathway).
• A levels must also include an appropriate STEM subject (e.g. engineering, computing, IT).
• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A–C (9–4), including Maths and English.
• Additional or higher‑level qualifications may be required by the training provider, depending on the apprenticeship level and the applicant’s prior qualifications and experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with others.
• Demonstrated interest in, and aptitude for, the chosen area of work.

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.