Electronic Engineering Degree 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 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 potentially hybrid, but as it is a developmental role, we encourage all our apprentices to be onsite as often as possible, especially during the first few months. 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.

The Electronics Group designs, builds, tests, and repairs a wide variety of electronic systems and devices. We are a group of multidisciplinary electronic engineers and technicians, providing support to numerous internal and external customers, as well as other more specialised groups. We provide reactive service via tickets to test and repair systems such as control & instrumentation, data acquisition, sensing, robotics and power supplies. We can also design and deliver large systems in-group, including for example neutral beam power supplies as part of MAST-U-E.

The Electronics Group workshops keep an extensive stock of electronic test equipment and are equipped with world-class equipment to assemble and rework surface mount technology. We can also carry out soak testing in a climate chamber at any plausible temperature or humidity level to ensure reliability in plant conditions.

The length of this apprenticeship is 48 months.

Responsibilities:

• Successfully complete the nationally recognised qualification specified within the apprenticeship standard: Electrical and electronic engineer (degree) / 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.

Qualifications:

• Entry to the programme of study with Warwick University requires a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points. Disciplines studied post GCSE must include any of Engineering or relevant STEM subjects, and an A level in Maths at Grade B.
• 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.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM.

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