Public Engagement Business Administrator Apprentice

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our friendly Public Engagement Team of six people based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. The National Laboratories Public Engagement Group, composed of 15 team members across three sites, supports STFC to inspire and excite the public about our science and technology through events and activities. A key part of this is involving STFC staff in these events to give insight into their work. We are looking for someone to support us in coordinating early career staff involvement with public engagement events.

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. You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check‑ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support.

Why Join the Public Engagement Team at STFC?

The National Labs Public Engagement Group helps people across the UK discover and connect with science and technology in meaningful ways. We create exciting opportunities—from hands‑on events and school visits to national campaigns and partnerships—that showcase the incredible research happening at STFC. Our work focuses on making science accessible to all, especially young people and communities who may not have many opportunities to get involved. Whether it’s supporting our staff to build confidence in public engagement or working with local groups to create inspiring activities together, we’re passionate about making STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) relevant, inclusive and fun.

Main Duties / Responsibilities:

• Building and maintaining relationships with early career staff through regular communication in a business environment.
• Shared responsibility for public inboxes – including replying in a timely manner, answering queries, maintaining accurate and easily accessible records.
• Coordinating and organising training sessions for early career staff.
• Coordinating volunteering opportunities for early career staff, liaising directly with schools, universities or colleges, arranging transport and/or delivery of materials.
• Maintaining accurate and accessible records of early career staff volunteering and training.
• Supporting the Public Engagement Team and Skills Centre Team with delivery of on‑site events and off‑site career fairs.
• Maintaining and updating an internal website, including producing content such as news articles.

Entry Requirements:

• Essential GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).
• Basic health and safety awareness.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, with a variety of people.
• Attention to detail/accuracy.
• Experience of being part of a team or group.
• Ability to organise tasks effectively whilst meeting deadlines.

Desirable:

• Interest in and enthusiasm for STFC science.
• Experience building positive relationships with people in different roles and personalities.

Employee Benefits:

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.

How to Apply:

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. The cover letter should address how you meet each essential criterion stated in this advert and outline your motivation for UKRI and the role. Please include your job reference number in the filename description of each document uploaded. Failure to address the above criteria or submit a cover letter may result in the application not being considered.

Employee & EDI:

We are an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) compliant organisation. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, personal appearance, marital status, disability, sex, disease or any other status.

Other Information:

This role involves working with children and vulnerable young adults, and will require an Enhanced DBS check as part of our safeguarding responsibilities. We are unable to apply for sponsorship for candidates who are not eligible to work in the UK. All shortlisted candidates must bring identification documents proving right to work in the UK.