Apprenticeship Overview
Apprenticeships at the University of Oxford offer an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and training. You will work alongside experienced colleagues while learning on the job and studying for formal qualifications in your field. As an Apprentice Engineering Maintenance Technician you will complete a three-and-a-half-year training programme covering all aspects of the role delivered through in‑house training, block release or other distance learning methods provided by MTC Training. Appropriate objectives will be set during the apprenticeship and you will work towards a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship by completing guided coursework and paid industrial work. Attendance at the training centre and successful completion of your studies are required as an integral part of this role. The apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to work across all of the workshops at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, supporting research in hypersonics, jet engine cooling, turbo machinery, materials testing and various other areas, and there may also be the possibility to work in other institutes across the Engineering Department.
Hazard‑Specific / Safety‑Critical Duties
- Work with sensitisers/work requiring health surveillance.
- Regular manual handling.
- Safety‑critical work (refer to the Hazards checklist for specific examples).
Key Duties
- Learn the basic skills required to use a wide range of machine tools present in a machine workshop including three-axis CNC/manual milling machines and two-axis CNC/manual lathes.
- Learn to use a wide range of workshop equipment, including precision measuring instruments, lathes, milling machines, grinders, power saws, hand tools, soldering irons and sheet metal equipment.
- Learn to perform and support the installation, configuration, and maintenance of experimental equipment for various research groups around the building (in addition to departmental facilities) and be responsible for the installation methods employed by the team.
- Learn to install pressured pipework and supporting systems across the OTI including in collaboration with research groups. This will include the installation of various proprietary systems such as Victaulic and Swagelok.
- Learn and assist with designing and installing electrical systems including single and 3‑phase circuits including modifications to existing electrical systems and ensuring all works are carried out in full compliance with all related legislation, requirements established by the University Safety Office, Policy Statements and relevant electrical regulations and safety standards and philosophies.
- Learn procedures for installing and calibrating instrumentation, and for troubleshooting faulty or malfunctioning instruments.
- Learn to identify and rectify instrumentation problems with experimental equipment and/or test facilities.
- Assist with preparing drawings from sketches and discussions with researchers using Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs.
- Take stage by stage instructions from a experienced technicians in order to complete basic technician tasks independently.
- Liaise with staff in other workshops to develop confidence and interpersonal skills. Engage with academics, researchers, staff and students to offer advice on potential engineering solutions.
- Update/maintain logbook of work/projects carried out in line with the requirements of the apprenticeship.
- Support students in taught sessions, where appropriate.
- Support Outreach and STEM activities, as well as University Open days.
- Assist with maintaining, servicing, and repairing workshop machinery and equipment when required.
- Check and maintain operating efficiency and cleanliness of tools, apparatus and workshop premises.
- Comply with Health & Safety procedures and work in safe manner.
- Understand and record time and materials used on projects.
- Log details from customers and assist with providing quotes.
- Answer telephone calls, emails, handle routine enquiries and take messages as required.
- Meet at regular intervals with the head of workshop to monitor progress.
- Attend training college to ensure that the required academic levels are being achieved, and are on target to finish the course within the agreed time.
