Electrical Technician Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

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

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 48 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot, OX11 0QX

Closing Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2026

Interview Date: Feb 2026 / Mar 2026

Start Date: September 2026

Are you passionate about how things work and love solving technical problems? We are looking for enthusiastic and curious individuals who are eager to kick-start their career in engineering. Whether you are fascinated by machines, electronics, design, or innovation, this apprenticeship offers the perfect opportunity to turn your passion into a profession. You will gain hands-on experience, work alongside experienced engineers, and develop the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding industry.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you will gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment. You will 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 will have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

Why join the Access Controls and Instrumentation Team at STFC?

Within the Electrical Services Group at ISIS, our Access Controls and Instrumentation team is a friendly, supportive group that values collaboration and learning. We are proud to have apprentices as part of our team—typically 4 or 5 at any time—so you will be in great company. Our work is varied and exciting. You could be wiring a simple control panel one day and helping to build a multi-rack system that controls and monitors huge sections of the ISIS machine the next. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, and contribute to cutting-edge science.

Qualifications Gained

Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Single Discipline Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England

What you will learn

• To work safely in an engineering environment.
• To follow safety procedures and regulations.
• Technical skills to fulfil your role.
• To perform planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance on a wide range of equipment.
• How to collaborate with engineers, technicians and stakeholders.
• Assist in completing jobs to required standards and maintaining accurate records.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities and sustainability practices.

Training provider

Through the training provider Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, you will undertake a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship which will include:

• Year 1: You will be based at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), Culham rotating through blocks of 4-6 weeks in duration. This will be supplemented with training relevant to STFC and giving a broad engineering foundation, delivered by STFC staff, in conjunction with UKAEA, at the OAS site in Culham.
• Year 2: You will be based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) with training in 4–6-week blocks at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS) at Culham across the year.
• Years 3-4: You will be fully in the workplace where you will further hone your skills to become an Electrical Technician. You will be required to attend OAS as required as part of your training; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered.

What you will be doing – Day-to-day responsibilities

• Complete a prescribed program of training to be conducted at ISIS, within STFC.
• Building, assembling, and installing control panels, racks and systems.
• Cable assembly, including soldering and crimping.
• Being part of a team maintaining various access control systems, including secure entry, CCTV and public address systems.
• As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate with staff across STFC at all levels.
• You will work as part of a team as well as working on your own.
• You will also have contact throughout your apprenticeship with college tutors and visitors to site.
• Champion the ISIS Electrical Services Group in a positive manner.
• Deliver a high level of customer service.
• Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery.

Entry Requirements

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I). We are looking for the following:

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) (S)
• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
• An interest in science and engineering. (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills (I)
• A basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical principles. (I)
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required in the workplace and at college. (S&I)
• An interest in practical subjects and activities. (S&I)

Important Information

To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence 5 GCSEs at 9-4 or A* -C (or equivalent) including Maths and English. For those sitting their GCSEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org if you have any questions.

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.

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.

How to apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

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