Target Operations Mechanical Apprentice in Harwell

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 an enthusiastic and curious individual who’s eager to kick-start their career in engineering. This apprenticeship offers the perfect opportunity to turn your passion into a profession.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC:

• Gain real-world experience and build technical and professional skills.
• Contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.
• Receive mentorship from industry professionals.
• Access workshops, a peer network, and career development support.

Why join the ISIS Target Operations team at the STFC?

Our friendly, close-knit group of around 31 specialists are diving into cutting edge technology and procedures to support both of the ISIS Target Stations. From collaborating with big-name partners like CERN and the European Spallation Source, you’ll be right in the middle of exciting, world-class science.

The Target Operations group covers it all:

• The lifting team carries out heavy lifting jobs using overhead cranes.
• The Operations team installs, monitors, maintains, and decommissions neutron targets.
• The muon operations team looks after a specialised section of Target Station 1.
• The manufacture team creates and assembles each of the targets.

Qualifications gained:

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

What you’ll learn:

• Work safely in an engineering environment.
• Follow safety procedures and regulations.
• Perform planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance on equipment.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and stakeholders.
• 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: Based at the Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), Culham.
• Year 2: Based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).
• Years 3–4: Fully in the workplace to hone your skills.

What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities:

• Complete a prescribed programme of training within the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
• Work under mentorship and support within ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
• Prepare assemblies using novel techniques and processes.
• Monitor running systems including water cooling, ventilation, gas handling, and vacuum systems.
• Work on engineering projects including accurate machining and precision fitting.
• Learn how to design and manufacture components and assemblies.

Entry Requirements:

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).
• An awareness of basic health and safety.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Interest in engineering and ability to demonstrate knowledge and skill.
• Good communication skills (both written and verbal).
• IT literacy and working with Microsoft Office applications.

Important Information:

To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence 5 GCSEs 9-4 or A*-C (or equivalent) including Maths and English.

Employee Benefits:

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship.
• 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 addressing your suitability for the opportunity based on the essential criteria stated in this advert.