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. Within the Electrical Services Group at ISIS, our Access Controls and Instrumentation team is a friendly, supportive group that values collaboration and learning. We’re proud to have apprentices as part of our team—typically 4 or 5 at any time—so you’ll be in great company. Our work is varied and exciting. You could be wiring a simple control panel one day and helping to build a multi-rack system that controls and monitors huge sections of the ISIS machine the next. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, and contribute to cutting-edge science.
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 | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Didcot, OX11 0QX |
| Training location | Oxfordshire Advanced Skills, Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3DB |
| Working week | 37 hours |
| Wage | £19,514 |
| Closing date | 02 March 2026 |
| Start date | 01 September 2026 |
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 Access Controls and Instrumentation Team at STFC?
Within the Electrical Services Group at ISIS, our Access Controls and Instrumentation team is a friendly, supportive group that values collaboration and learning. We’re proud to have apprentices as part of our team—typically 4 or 5 at any time—so you’ll be in great company.
Our work is varied and exciting. You could be wiring a simple control panel one day and helping to build a multi-rack system that controls and monitors huge sections of the ISIS machine the next. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, and contribute to cutting-edge science.
Qualifications gained
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Single Discipline
Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England
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 an Electrical 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.
For more information about the training provider, please visit: Level 3 Apprenticeships | OAS.
What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities
- Complete a prescribed program of training to be conducted at ISIS, within STFC.
- Building, assembling, and installing control panels, racks and systems.
- Cable assembly, including soldering and crimping.
- Being part of a team maintaining various access control systems, including secure entry, CCTV and public address systems.
- As an STFC Apprentice you will communicate with staff across STFC at all levels. You will work as part of a team as well as working on your own. You will also have contact throughout your apprenticeship with college tutors and visitors to site.
- Champion the ISIS Electrical Services Group in a positive manner.
- Deliver a high level of customer service.
- Attend appropriate additional training to support the role and service delivery.
Entry Requirements
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
We are looking for the following:
- 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)
- An interest in science and engineering. (S&I)
- Good problem-solving skills (I)
- A basic knowledge of electrical and mechanical principles. (I)
- Self-motivated, willing to undertake the work required in the workplace and at college. (S&I)
- An interest in practical subjects and activities. (S&I)