Mechanical Technician Apprentice
| Posting date: | 07 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £19,514 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship) |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 03 May 2026 |
| Location: | UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | STFC |
| Job type: | Apprenticeship |
| Job reference: | 1754 |
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: UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ
Closing Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Interview Date: May 2026 / June 2026
Start Date: 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.
About the Role
As a Mechanical Technician Apprentice, you will join the Mechanical Technician Team within the Engineering Support Group, working under the guidance and support of experienced senior technicians.
You will develop practical, hands‑on skills while supporting the manufacture, modification and assembly of precision mechanical, optomechanical and electromechanical components to defined technical requirements and quality standards. Using a range of techniques and equipment such as manual and CNC machining, hand tools and 3D printing, you will contribute to high‑precision engineering work.
The role will also involve inspecting, fitting and aligning components using a variety of inspection and metrology methods, and supporting the testing of parts and assemblies, including the use of specialist environmental test facilities such as vacuum, cryogenic and vibration testing. This apprenticeship offers a strong foundation in mechanical engineering within a collaborative and technically challenging environment.
Why join the Engineering Support Group
You’ll be joining a close knit team of highly skilled technicians whose role is to manufacture, assemble, integrate and test all mechanical aspects of the instruments and projects that the UKATC are involved in. This unique environment could mean you are completing varied tasks from manufacturing components within our workshop on a range of manual and CNC machines; inspecting then assembling and testing them in our range of bespoke cryostats and other specialist equipment; to ensure that they function as the astronomers require once commissioned, whether they are ground or space based.
21 Years of UKATC | Gravitational Waves
What you’ll learn
SVQ2 and NC Course content includes:
Communication
Mathematics: Technician 1
Engineering: Applying Information Technology
Engineering Systems
Add on units which may be included in your course by UKATC:
Preparing and Using CNC Machine Tool Programs
Preparing and Using CNC Turning Machines
Preparing and Using CNC Milling Machines
SCQF Level 7 course content includes:
Year One
Engineering Maths 1
Dynamics
Thermofluids
Quality Management
CAD for Engineers
Year Two
Statics and Strength of Materials
Communication
Engineering Materials Selection
Engineering Principles
Engineering Maths 2
Pneumatics and Hydraulics
Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1
Please note: Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1 and Engineering Principles can only be completed in Year 2.
Training provider
Edinburgh College (Midlothian Campus)
Delivery:
Year 1: 4 days per week. 2 days cover the SVQ2 learning and 2 days will be studying NC level.
Year 2 & 3: 1 day per week to study an HNC.
Year 4: Completing the SCQF Level 7 Diploma onsite at the UKATC.
Midlothian Campus | Edinburgh College – Engineering and Innovation Hub
Manufacture and Maintenance Engineering PEO SVQ 2 | Edinburgh College
Engineering Systems NC | Edinburgh College
SCQF Level 7 - Mechanical Engineering HNC (Enhanced Distance Learning) | Edinburgh College
We are looking for the following
Mathematics and English at National 5.
Physics, or another science-related subject.
An awareness of basic health and safety
Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training.
Eligibility for SDS funding [student must be resident in Scotland and work in Scotland] - and you must not have completed the same or similar apprenticeship within the last 3 years.
Note: Funding is available for age 16-19, 20-24 or 25+
Other relevant information
When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met. Check your eligibility https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026
How to Apply
For full details/important information and to apply, click 'Apply' within this Ad which will direct you to our external Careers Page. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on 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: UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ
Closing Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Interview Date: May 2026 / June 2026
Start Date: 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.
About the Role
As a Mechanical Technician Apprentice, you will join the Mechanical Technician Team within the Engineering Support Group, working under the guidance and support of experienced senior technicians.
You will develop practical, hands‑on skills while supporting the manufacture, modification and assembly of precision mechanical, optomechanical and electromechanical components to defined technical requirements and quality standards. Using a range of techniques and equipment such as manual and CNC machining, hand tools and 3D printing, you will contribute to high‑precision engineering work.
The role will also involve inspecting, fitting and aligning components using a variety of inspection and metrology methods, and supporting the testing of parts and assemblies, including the use of specialist environmental test facilities such as vacuum, cryogenic and vibration testing. This apprenticeship offers a strong foundation in mechanical engineering within a collaborative and technically challenging environment.
Why join the Engineering Support Group
You’ll be joining a close knit team of highly skilled technicians whose role is to manufacture, assemble, integrate and test all mechanical aspects of the instruments and projects that the UKATC are involved in. This unique environment could mean you are completing varied tasks from manufacturing components within our workshop on a range of manual and CNC machines; inspecting then assembling and testing them in our range of bespoke cryostats and other specialist equipment; to ensure that they function as the astronomers require once commissioned, whether they are ground or space based.
21 Years of UKATC | Gravitational Waves
What you’ll learn
SVQ2 and NC Course content includes:
Communication
Mathematics: Technician 1
Engineering: Applying Information Technology
Engineering Systems
Add on units which may be included in your course by UKATC:
Preparing and Using CNC Machine Tool Programs
Preparing and Using CNC Turning Machines
Preparing and Using CNC Milling Machines
SCQF Level 7 course content includes:
Year One
Engineering Maths 1
Dynamics
Thermofluids
Quality Management
CAD for Engineers
Year Two
Statics and Strength of Materials
Communication
Engineering Materials Selection
Engineering Principles
Engineering Maths 2
Pneumatics and Hydraulics
Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1
Please note: Mechanical Engineering Graded Unit 1 and Engineering Principles can only be completed in Year 2.
Training provider
Edinburgh College (Midlothian Campus)
Delivery:
Year 1: 4 days per week. 2 days cover the SVQ2 learning and 2 days will be studying NC level.
Year 2 & 3: 1 day per week to study an HNC.
Year 4: Completing the SCQF Level 7 Diploma onsite at the UKATC.
Midlothian Campus | Edinburgh College – Engineering and Innovation Hub
Manufacture and Maintenance Engineering PEO SVQ 2 | Edinburgh College
Engineering Systems NC | Edinburgh College
SCQF Level 7 - Mechanical Engineering HNC (Enhanced Distance Learning) | Edinburgh College
We are looking for the following
Mathematics and English at National 5.
Physics, or another science-related subject.
An awareness of basic health and safety
Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training.
Eligibility for SDS funding [student must be resident in Scotland and work in Scotland] - and you must not have completed the same or similar apprenticeship within the last 3 years.
Note: Funding is available for age 16-19, 20-24 or 25+
Other relevant information
When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met. Check your eligibility https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026
How to Apply
For full details/important information and to apply, click 'Apply' within this Ad which will direct you to our external Careers Page. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.