Apprenticeships at the University of Oxford Becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and training. You will work alongside experienced colleagues, whilst learning on the job and appropriate objectives will be set during the course of the Apprenticeship. At the same time, you will study for formal qualifications in your field. The role You will work as an Apprentice Engineering Maintenance Technician. You will be required to complete a three and a half year training programme that will cover all aspects of the role delivered through in-house training, alongside block release or other distance learning methods delivered by MTC Training. Appropriate objectives will be set during the course of the Apprenticeship. You will work towards a L3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship by completing guided coursework and paid industrial work. Note that attendance to the training centre and successful completion of your studies is required as an integral part of this role. The apprenticeship includes an exciting opportunity to work across all of the different workshops at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, workshops which support research in hypersonics, jet engine cooling, turbo machinery, materials testing and various other areas of research. There may also be the possibility to work in other institutes across the Engineering Department.
We appreciate that everyone learns and thinks in different ways; therefore, if you would prefer to provide your information in a different format; for example, over the phone, or you need support in completing your application please contact oasphase2@the-mtc.org
| Vacancy location | Central Oxford |
| Training location | OAS, Culham Campus, OX14 3DB |
| Wage | Apprentice Grade 1 £26,686 (salary progression through successful completion of programme) |
| Expected duration | 3.5 years months |
| Closing date | 26 June 2026 |
The role
You will work as an Apprentice Engineering Maintenance Technician. You will be required to complete a three and a half year training programme that will cover all aspects of the role delivered through in-house training, alongside block release or other distance learning methods delivered by MTC Training.
Appropriate objectives will be set during the course of the Apprenticeship.
You will work towards a L3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship by completing guided coursework and paid industrial work. Note that attendance to the training centre and successful completion of your studies is required as an integral part of this role.
The apprenticeship includes an exciting opportunity to work across all of the different workshops at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, workshops which support research in hypersonics, jet engine cooling, turbo machinery, materials testing and various other areas of research. There may also be the possibility to work in other institutes across the Engineering Department.
Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties.
This job includes the following hazard-specific or safety-critical duties that will require successful pre-employment health screening through our Occupational Health Department before the successful candidate can commence work:
- Work with sensitisers/work requiring health surveillance.
- Regular manual handling.
- Safety-critical work (refer to the Hazards checklist for specific examples)
Responsibilities & Duties.
All tasks will be at a level appropriate to the apprentice’s developing skills, under the guidance of the Engineering Manager and in consultation with the workshop heads at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute.
All skill areas will involve the identification, planning and performing of engineering maintenance technician tasks across the Department, including the operation of specialist machinery. The apprentice will also support all aspects of the day-to-day running of the workshop. The apprentice will be supervised at all times when in workshops.
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.