Embedded Electronic Systems 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 groundbreaking 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 a 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 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.

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

The length of this apprenticeship is 60 months.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Successfully complete the nationally recognised qualification specified within the apprenticeship standard: Embedded electronic systems design and development 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:

• The training provider requires A Levels at grade C or above in both a mathematical based subject and a science, tech, engineering or additional mathematics related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC.
• Learners must have the equivalent to 112 UCAS points.
• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A–C (9–4), including Maths and English.
• 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 under‑represented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.