Mechanical Engineering Apprentice

UKRI; Guildford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK is seeking enthusiastic individuals for an Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. The role offers hands-on experience in a supportive environment, fostering skills through practical training and mentorship. Ideal for candidates interested in engineering, this apprenticeship provides the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects while developing technical competencies and problem-solving skills. Competitive salary and benefits included.

Benefits

30 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working hours

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Excellent learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn in the workplace and through formal training.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Interest in engineering and a basic level of knowledge in the field.

Responsibilities

• Complete a prescribed programme of training at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
• Work under mentorship within ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
• Monitor and operate systems including water cooling and gas handling.

Skills

Problem-solving skills

Good communication skills

IT literacy

Basic health and safety awareness

Education

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

Job description

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? We're looking for an enthusiastic and curious individual who's eager to kick‑start their career in engineering. Whether you're fascinated by machines, mechanical systems, or finding creative solutions to problems, this apprenticeship offers the perfect opportunity to turn your passion into a profession.

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 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. We're all about pushing boundaries for current and future ‘Big Science’ facilities—and our projects are anything but ordinary.

From collaborating with big‑name partners like CERN and the European Spallation Source, to navigating high‑stakes remote handling breakdowns, you'll be right in the middle of exciting, world‑class science with people who genuinely love what they do.

The Target Operations group covers it all – here’s a quick taster into what each team does to support the day‑to‑day running of the ISIS Target Stations! Our lifting team carries out heavy lifting jobs using the overhead cranes to move shielding blocks out the way giving technicians access to the equipment below. Our Operations team are the ones who install, monitor, maintain, and decommission the neutron targets and all the supporting systems using remote handling equipment. Our muon operations team look after a very specialised section of Target Station 1 that uses muons for material science. And our manufacture team creates and assembles each of the targets using a wide range of specialist equipment and machinery.

What you'll 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 a Target Operations 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’ll Be Doing – Day‑to‑day responsibilities

• Complete a prescribed programme of training to be conducted within the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
• Work under the mentorship and support of your team within ISIS Neutron and Muon Source.
• Work safely and in line with established safety measures in the laboratory on a day‑to‑day basis.
• Prepare assemblies using novel techniques and processes with exotic materials such as Tantalum and Tungsten.
• Monitor running systems including water cooling, ventilation, gas handling and vacuum systems.
• Work on engineering projects including accurate machining and precision fitting with specialised techniques and high‑tech equipment.
• Monitor and be trained on cryogenic systems, remote handling, lifting operations, complicated assemblies, water systems, and gas systems.
• Be trained to work and operate equipment in a safe manner to different standards.
• Learn how to design and manufacture components and assemblies.
• Learn how to manufacture target components using manual and CNC machines.
• Follow procedures and risk assessments with supervision.
• As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate with staff across STFC and at all levels. You will work as part of a team as well as working on your own. You will also represent STFC through the contact you have with your training provider.
• Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery.

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, both in the workplace and through formal training
• Good problem‑solving skills
• Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
• Good communication skills (both written and verbal)
• IT literacy and working with Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence 5 GCSEs 9‑4 or A*‑C (or equivalent) including Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs 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 click 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.

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

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on [e-mail] if you have any questions.

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.

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!

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the Disability Confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.