Multi-Trade Operative Apprenticeship

Science and Technology Facilities Council

Salary: £18,000 per annum rising annually 
Hours: Full time (37 hours per week)
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 2 years
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot
Closing Date: 28th April 2024
Interview Date: End May 2024 onsite at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Start Date: September 2024

STFC’s Estates Services Department provides, develops, and maintains the buildings, infrastructure and support services to facilitate STFC’s scientific program. This apprenticeship role will support the undertaking of efficient day to day maintenance and installation activities relating to the upkeep and development of over 80 buildings, across 3 STFC sites: RAL, Chilbolton Observatory and Cosener’s House. The role resides within the Fabric Services Team and will learn to carry out a variety of fabric (carpentry/tiling/plastering etc) maintenance and installation tasks to ensure that STFC’s buildings provide a safe, efficient and comfortable environment to support the organisations scientific programmes and activities.

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

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Complete a prescribed training programme to be conducted within the Rutherford Appleton Laboratories Estates Services department, working within workshops and the wider scientific laboratories. 
• Become proficient in installing, maintaining and repairing a wide range of building components.
• Obtain a high level of competence in the use of hand and power tools. 
• Gain the skills to confidently and competently undertake a range of installations, including flooring, timber components, brick/blockwork and wall finishes. 
• Attend college on a block release basis leading to recognised NVQ level two qualifications. 
• Carry out maintenance tasks and duties at the Laboratory as directed by the Fabric Services Manager / Supervisor, these activities will be directly relevant to the apprenticeships’ key competencies and skills and will assist the wider department in delivering their core maintenance service commitments. 
• Represent and champion the Estates department in a positive manner, demonstrating first-class customer service skills and raising the profile of the department.

Through the training provider, Abingdon and Witney College (Construction and Skills Centre, Bicester), you will undertake a Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative Apprenticeship which will include:

• Work-based training with STFC
• Nine weeks of block release throughout the year
• On-site assessment visits
• Fully recognised apprenticeship qualification – Level 2 Property Maintenance Operative

You will be required to attend nine weeks of block release training at the Construction Skills Centre, in Bicester; you must therefore be willing and able to travel independently. Excess travel costs will be covered. 

To apply for this apprenticeship opportunity, we are looking for the following:

Essential criteria:

• Achieved or predicted to achieve 2 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above, including Maths, English 
• Demonstrable interest in practical subjects and activities (S&I)
• Self-motivated and willing to commit to the work required at college and in the estates department (S&I)
• Ability to work using own initiative and follow instructions. (I)
• Ability to work in a flexible and challenging environment. (S&I)
• Has a clear vision of what they want to achieve and demonstrates a willingness to succeed (S&I) 

  Desirable criteria:

• Previous construction-based experience (S&I)

Important Information

1. To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2024, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.
2. When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
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.