Engineering Technician Apprentice

UK Shared Business Services Ltd; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is offering an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Apprentice to join their team in East Hagbourne. The role includes hands-on experience in mechanical, electrical, or electronic disciplines, supported by expert mentorship and structured training. Candidates will gain a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship while enjoying competitive benefits, including salary progression and 30 days of holiday. This is the perfect chance to kick-start a rewarding career in engineering.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Defined average salary pension scheme

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn through formal training.
• Interest in science, engineering, or technology.
• Basic health and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Support scientists in engineering projects during rotations.
• Work under guidance in mechanical, electrical, or electronic disciplines.

Skills

Problem-solving

Technical interest

Communication using Word/Excel/Outlook

Education

5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)

Job description

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? Join us as an Engineering Apprentice and kick‑start your future in a dynamic, hands‑on role.

Whether you’re fascinated by machines, electronics, design, or innovation, this is your chance to turn passion into profession. You’ll learn while you learn, gain real‑world experience on exciting projects, work alongside expert engineers who will mentor and support you and build skills that open doors to a rewarding career in engineering where every day is different.

If you’re ready to build the future—one project at a time, we want to hear from you!

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, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

Why join the Engineering Rotational Scheme at STFC?

• Earn while you learn with a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
• Gain hands‑on experience in world‑class facilities
• Work on projects that support cutting‑edge science and innovation
• Build skills that open doors to a rewarding career in engineering

You will specialise in one of three disciplines: mechanical, electrical, or electronic.

Transferable skills

Through our QuEST programme and partnership with Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), you’ll build a strong foundation in high‑value skills such as:

• Precision fitting, milling, and turning
• Surface‑mount soldering and electronic systems
• High‑purity gas systems and machine welding
• Scientific vacuum technology and cryogenics

Qualifications gained

• Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Single Discipline
• L4 HNC (subject to eligibility criteria)

What you’ll learn

• Safe working practices and engineering regulations
• How to set up and operate manual, CNC, and EDM machines
• Producing and interpreting technical drawings, CAD files, and procedures
• Using engineering methods to identify problems and create solutions
• Collaborating with engineers, technicians, and scientists from around the world

Training provider

Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS)

Programme Structure

• Year 1: Full‑time training at OAS in Culham, rotating through 4–6 week blocks. Supplemented with QuEST modules delivered by STFC staff in collaboration with UKAEA, covering technologies for Quantum, Fusion and high‑tech engineering.
• Year 2: On‑the‑job training at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) with rotational placements in your chosen discipline, plus continued OAS blocks.
• Years 3–4: Fully embedded in the workplace, applying your skills in real‑world engineering environments as you progress toward becoming a qualified Engineering Technician.

Travel to OAS is required, with excess costs covered.

For more information about the training provider, please visit Level 3 Apprenticeships | OAS.

What you’ll be doing – day‑to‑day responsibilities

As a rotating engineering apprentice your main duties and responsibilities will include working under the guidance and support of your team within each placement.

Throughout your apprenticeship you will be expected to support scientists from all over the world as they continue to push back the barriers of science.

Mechanical Apprentice

• You’ll help make mechanical parts and assemblies using both modern technology and traditional methods.
• At first, you’ll work in manual machining workshops to practice the skills you learned in your first year.
• Later you’ll move into different areas such as:
• CNC machining (computer‑controlled machines)
• Technician roles working with vacuum systems, gases, cryogenics etc.
• Design work using a range of CAD and simulation engineering tools

Electrical Apprentice

• You’ll learn how to install different types of cabling, from small control wires to large high‑voltage cables.
• You’ll practice soldering tiny components, sometimes under a microscope.
• You’ll also learn how to set up trunking and conduit (protective channels for cables), and how to test, repair, and maintain electrical systems.
• There are opportunities to:
• Work on electrical design using CAD software.
• Learn automation and controls, including programming PLC/HMI systems.
• Help commission (set up and test) these systems for real applications.

Electronic Apprentice

• You’ll work with advanced electronics, from small chips to large data systems used in global scientific research.
• Early on you’ll practice core skills such as soldering, crimping, building prototype boards, and using test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.).
• As you progress, you’ll move into fault finding, designing, and building circuits.
• You’ll handle a wide range of technologies, from high‑voltage circuits to printed circuit boards with components smaller than a grain of rice.

Entry Requirements

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

• 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)
• A genuine interest in science, engineering, or technology and the work of STFC (S&I)
• An interest in how things work and a willingness to develop technical skills through hands‑on experience (S&I)
• Enjoys solving problems, thinking things through, and coming up with ideas that work (I)
• Passion for technical projects related to this apprenticeship (S&I)
• Confident using a computer, especially tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook (S)

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. To check your eligibility please see here.
• 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 to [e-mail] if you have any questions.

Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.

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.

For a list of our full benefits, please visit here.

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. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y.

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.

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us.

What could you achieve with the world‑leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what’s possible!