Public Engagement Business Administrator Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship) Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 24 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

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. You will also have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

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 relevant, inclusive and fun.

Qualifications gained

• Business Administrator – Business administrator / Skills England Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship – Business Administration – Abingdon & Witney College

What you’ll learn

• Understands organisational purpose, activities, aims, values, vision for the future, resources and the way that the political/economic environment affects the organisation.
• Knows organisational structure and demonstrates understanding of how their work benefits the organisation.
• Knows how they fit within their team and recognises how their skills can help them to progress their career.
• Has a practical knowledge of managing stakeholders and their differing relationships to an organisation.
• Liaises with internal/external customers, suppliers or stakeholders from inside or outside the UK.
• Engages and fosters relationships with suppliers and partner organisations.
• Understands laws and regulations that apply to their role including data protection, health & safety, compliance etc.
• Supports the company in applying the regulations.
• Understands the organisation's internal policies and key business policies relating to sector.
• Understands the applicability of business principles such as managing change, business finances and project management.

Training provider

As part of your Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship, you will engage in structured professional development and training through a combination of online learning and 10 days of in‑person teaching at Abingdon & Witney College, scheduled between September and December. You will complete 12 formal assessments and receive dedicated support to develop the required skills and behaviours for your apprenticeship. This will include building a comprehensive portfolio of evidence and completing a work‑based project, both of which are essential for your Independent End‑Point Assessment (EPA). The EPA will consist of knowledge test, portfolio‑based interview & project/improvement presentation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• 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, including 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

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

Essential

• GCSEs in 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 (S&I)
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, with a variety of people (S&I)
• Attention to detail/accuracy (S)
• Experience of being part of a team or group (I)
• Ability to organise tasks effectively whilst meeting deadlines (I)

Desirable

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

Important Information

To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) 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. To check your eligibility, please refer to the provided link. 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.

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. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org.