Mechanical Engineering (Target Operations) Apprentice
| Posting date: | 30 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £19,514 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 02 February 2026 |
| Location: | Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus Didcot, OX11 0QX |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | STFC |
| Job type: | Temporary |
| Job reference: | 1744 |
Summary
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: 2nd February 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.
Why join the ISIS Target Operations team at the STFC?
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.
Qualifications gained
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician – 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 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.
For more information about the training provider, please visit: Level 3 Apprenticeships | OAS and to learn more about the apprenticeship standard Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England
You will complete your portfolio before undertaking your End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will include a multiple-choice test, an observation with questions and an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities
As a member of the Target Operations Group the successful applicant will:
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.
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 (S&I)
Good problem-solving skills (I)
Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill (S&I)
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team. (I)
Good communication skills (both written and verbal) (S&I)
IT literacy and working with Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. (S)
How to apply
For more information and to apply please click on the Apply in this ad. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
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: 2nd February 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.
Why join the ISIS Target Operations team at the STFC?
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.
Qualifications gained
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician – 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 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.
For more information about the training provider, please visit: Level 3 Apprenticeships | OAS and to learn more about the apprenticeship standard Engineering maintenance technician - single discipline / Skills England
You will complete your portfolio before undertaking your End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will include a multiple-choice test, an observation with questions and an interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities
As a member of the Target Operations Group the successful applicant will:
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.
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 (S&I)
Good problem-solving skills (I)
Interest in engineering and the ability to demonstrate a basic level of knowledge and skill (S&I)
Ability to work independently and as part of a small team. (I)
Good communication skills (both written and verbal) (S&I)
IT literacy and working with Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. (S)
How to apply
For more information and to apply please click on the Apply in this ad. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
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About Disability Confident
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