Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship (CNC Machining)

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £18,000 rising annually
Hours: Full time (37 hours per week)
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 4 years
Location: UKATC, Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ 
Closing Date: 28th April 2024
Interview Date: May/June 2024
Start Date: September 2024

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation, is a place where curiosity-driven, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. One of Europe’s largest research organisations, we’re trusted to support, enable and undertake cutting-edge projects in an amazing diversity of fields. Through world-class facilities and people, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science, engineering, computing and technology. The work we do is helping to shape societies, strengthen economies and transform lives.

STFC has a broad science portfolio and works with the academic and industrial communities to share its expertise. The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UK ATC) is the national centre for astronomical technology and is part of STFC. 

UK ATC designs and builds instruments for many of the world's major telescopes. They also project-manage UK and international collaborations and their scientists carry out observational and theoretical research into questions such as the origins of planets and of galaxies. 

About an Apprenticeship at STFC 

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role. 

If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else. 

Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover! 

We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements. 

STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.  

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

About the role

The first year is spent at Edinburgh College 4 days per week at their purpose-built training facility at Midlothian Campus. Here you will be taught a wide range of generalised engineering skills including machining and hand-fitting techniques; electrical and electronic wiring, testing and maintenance; mechanical assembly; maintenance and turning; milling and welding. This provides you with a SVQ 2 in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF level 5 and a National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering at SCQF level 6. One day a week you will be on site working within the ESG Workshop to complement your college training.

From year 2 onwards, you will be based at UK ATC where you will continue your apprenticeship gaining more specialised skills within the Engineering Support Group. You will gain extensive experience in broadening your knowledge and providing exposure to the full spectrum of working in a sophisticated cutting-edge facility. You will be working alongside and guided by experienced technicians and engineers, with skills and knowledge being built up through direct involvement in exciting scientific projects. Throughout your apprenticeship you will be expected to support collaborations from all over the world as they continue to push back the barriers of science.  

The on-the-job training provided in years 2 through to 4 leads to a SVQ level 3 in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering at SCQF level 6 on a day release basis. 

On and Off the job training is supported by an independent training provider who will track your progress from year 1 through to year 4 where upon successful completion will provide you with a full Engineering apprenticeship and SVQ Level 3 certificates. 

You will also continue your academic studies on day release basis through years 2 & 3 to attain a Higher National Certificate in Engineering Systems at SCQF level 7. 

There will be an option to continue for a further 2 years day release to attain a Higher National Diploma in Engineering Systems at SCQF level 8. 

Following the completion of their training the apprentice will have the opportunity to be involved in a variety of exciting ventures in the Engineering Support Group workshop and in the various labs on site. 

Person specification (Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and any special requirements) 

Key - (S) is measured at shortlisting, (I) is measured at interview, (S&I) are measured at both.

In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following: 

Essential: 

• Achieved or predicted to achieve a minimum of four National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above including Maths, English and a Science/technical subject (S)
• A strong and demonstrable interest in science, engineering and technology (S&I)
• Ability to demonstrate some basic technical engineering knowledge and skill (S&I)
• Ability to work using own initiative (I)
• Ability to follow instructions including technical engineering knowledge and skill (S&I)
• Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required with the training provider and in the workplace (I)
• Able to work independently and as part of a team (I)
• Good communication skills (S&I)
• Good problem-solving skills (I)

Desirable:  

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office (S)

Application Instructions

Applications will be shortlisted by the quality of their CV and cover letter. Please ensure you explain clearly why you feel you are a good fit for this role, taking into account the duties and responsibilities and the person specification. Please provide examples where possible, taking into account school/college project and/or work-based experience. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need evidence of your National 5 qualifications (or equivalent).
2. FAQs for potential apprentices, including eligibility, are available on the Skills Development Scotland website: https://www.apprenticeships.scot/faqs
3. 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.

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.  

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org 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.