Technical Support Technician Apprentice - Advanced (Level 3)

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) has over 25 years’ experience in providing engineering apprenticeships and provides an excellent training ground to equip individuals with the relevant skills and experience for their chosen career in either mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering.

Responsibilities

What will the apprentice be doing?

Our Technology Department provides technology, engineering and support to STFC’s current and future facilities and programmes and scientists across the world visit ISIS to carry out experiments that enable greater understanding to help solve global challenges. For example, exploring the next generation of battery technologies, looking at efficiency of drug delivery for cancer treatments and working to secure the food supply chain. 

This is a great opportunity to join the Technology Department as a Technical Support Technician Apprentice. You will join the Electronics System Design Group’s ISIS Support Team and take part in the testing, upgrades and maintenance of data acquisition electronics and associated equipment.

Summary of key duties & responsibilities

Years 1 and 2 will involve attending a local college on a day release basis to work towards academic qualifications.

During this 4 year apprenticeship, there will be the opportunity to learn about innovative pioneering electronics, from single integrated circuits to huge data acquisition systems. When fully assembled, these systems are used to conduct experiments by scientists from all over the world.

This apprentice will be responsible for:

Testing and fault-finding custom-made printed circuit boards (PCBs) using test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes and function generators
Operating automated test rigs
Through-hole and surface mount solder assembly and rework
Producing low voltage electromechanical assemblies
Installing new equipment around the ISIS Experiment halls
Supporting the team’s engineers in responding to ISIS Instrument call-outs
Contacts and Communication
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 with college tutors and visitors to the site.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

You will undertake a four year Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship, following pathway 13: Technical Support Technician on a day release basis at a local college. 

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Once completed, the apprentices will be able to apply for roles and there may be an opportunity to continue their learning and career development

Reality Check

You will be required to attend and complete the required nationally recognised training courses. This will involve attendance at local educational establishments on a day release basis.

Skills Required

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Initiative, Ability to follow instructions, Able to work independently, Able to work as part of a team

Qualifications Required

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade Level 4 (Grade C) or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade Level 4 (Grade C) or above) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Science (Grade Level 4 (Grade C) or above) Essential