Engineering Maintenance Apprentice: Hands-On Tech & Systems in Harwell

Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 48 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RD

Closing Date: 28th June 2026

Interview Date: W/C 13th July 2026

Start Date: W/C 7th or 14th September 2026

Are you passionate about how things work and love solving technical problems? Join us as an Engineering Apprentice and kick‑start your future in a dynamic, hands‑on role. The Medical Research Council’s Mary Lyon Centre (MLC) based at Harwell has an exciting vacancy for a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. You’ll earn while you learn, gain real‑world experience on exciting projects, work alongside expert engineers who will mentor and support you and build skills that open doors to a rewarding career in engineering where every day is different.

About the Role

As an engineering maintenance apprentice at the Mary Lyon Centre, you will gain experience in maintaining and installing various engineering systems, including but not limited to:

• Air Handling Plant
• Hot & Cold Water Piped Systems
• Low Temperature Hot Water Boilers
• Steam Boilers & Associated Plant
• Robotic Cage Cleaning & Automation
• Process Equipment
• Low Voltage Electrical Systems
• Building Management System Controls monitoring

Throughout the apprenticeship, the successful candidate will work with our in‑house team of experienced engineers to deliver first‑class levels of service and maintenance to one of the world’s leading facilities in animal research.

What You Will Learn

During the apprenticeship you will train with Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), developing competencies in both electrical and mechanical maintenance, and undertake the QuEST programme building a strong foundation in high‑value skills such as scientific vacuum technology & cryogenics, precision fitting, milling and turning, high‑purity gas systems and machine welding.

Programme Structure

• Year 1: Block‑release training at OAS in Culham, rotating through 4‑6 week blocks combined with on‑the‑job training at the MLC
• Year 2: Continued block‑release training at OAS supplemented with QuEST modules delivered by STFC staff in collaboration with UKAEA, covering technologies for quantum, fusion and high‑tech engineering. On‑the‑job training at the MLC
• Year 3‑4: Fully embedded in the workplace, applying your skills in real‑world engineering environments as you progress toward becoming a qualified Engineering Technician.

What We Are Looking For

• 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.
• A genuine interest in science, engineering, or technology and the work of MRC.
• An interest in how things work and a willingness to develop technical skills through hands‑on experience.
• Enjoys solving problems, thinking things through, and coming up with ideas that work.
• Passion for technical projects related to this apprenticeship.
• IT literacy and working with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Apprenticeship Core Eligibility Requirements

• Evidence of 5 GCSEs including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills).
• Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprentice start date.
• Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher‑level qualification in a related subject.

Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays and an exceptional pension scheme.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Discount vouchers for high street stores and attractions.