Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprentice

This dual-discipline Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training at the Mary Lyon Centre with block-release learning at Oxfordshire Advanced Skills to build mechanical, electrical, and high-tech facility maintenance capabilities.

Are you passionate about how things work and love solving technical problems? Join us as an Engineering Apprentice and kick-start your future in a dynamic, hands-on role.

The Medical Research Council’s Mary Lyon Centre (MLC) based at Harwell has an exciting vacancy for a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. You’ll earn while you learn, gain real-world experience on exciting projects, work alongside expert engineers who will mentor and support you and build skills that open doors to a rewarding career in engineering where every day is different.  

The support of scientific research through high-quality technical skills and training is paramount to robust, reproducible research. In genetics science we are faced with the challenge of unravelling and ultimately developing therapies for many human diseases.

Central to all scientific progress is the delivery of high-quality technical support. This apprenticeship is an excellent pathway for someone who is keen to support the maintenance of the MLC’s facilities and equipment. You will be fully supported throughout your apprenticeship, with opportunities to grow your experience and confidence. 

About The Department 

The Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell (MLC) is located in an expanding science and innovation campus in Oxfordshire and is an internationally renowned centre at the forefront of genetics research. As the hub of the new National Mouse Genetics Network, the specialist facilities and capabilities of the MLC support a number of research groups across the UK to accelerate our understanding of human diseases, such as cancer, developmental disorders and neuro-degeneration.  

The MRC is an excellent place to develop yourself further and a range of training & development opportunities will be available to you, including professional registration with the Science Council.

The Medical Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the largest public sector funder of research and innovation with an annual budget of over £8bn and includes seven research councils. Click here to find out more about UKRI.  

About an Apprenticeship at UKRI 

With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll relish the opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours whilst making a real difference in your role. You will be able to develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.    

We 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, with access to a dedicated UKRI Early Careers Network.

UKRI offers the following:  

• A benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, 10.5 public and privilege holidays and an exceptional pension scheme  

• Cycle-2-work scheme  

• Discount vouchers for high street stores and attractions  

About the Role

As an engineering maintenance apprentice at the Mary Lyon Centre, the appointed individual will gain experience. They will learn to maintain and install many different engineering systems, including but not limited to:

• Air Handling Plant  

• Hot & Cold Water Piped Systems

• Low Temperature Hot Water Boilers

• Steam Boilers & Associated Plant

• Robotic Cage Cleaning & Automation Process Equipment

• Low Voltage Electrical Systems

• Building Management System Controls monitoring

Throughout the apprenticeship, the successful candidate will work with our in-house team of experienced engineers to deliver first-class levels of service and maintenance to one of the world’s leading facilities in animal research.  

What You Wil Learn

You will undertake your apprenticeship training with Oxfordshire Advanced Skills (OAS), developing engineering maintenance competencies in both electrical and mechanical maintenance knowledge, skills and behaviours 

In partnership with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and OAS you will also have the opportunity to undertake the QuEST programme building a strong foundation in high-value skills such as:

• Scientific Vacuum Technology and Cryogenics

• Precision fitting, milling and turning

• High purity gas systems and machine welding

Throughout the apprenticeship you will gain hands-on experience in world-class facilities, helping to maintain the equipment and facilities that support cutting-edge science and innovation whilst building skills that will open doors to a rewarding career in Engineering.

Programme Structure

• Year 1: Block-release training at OAS in Culham, rotating through 4-6 week blocks combined with on-the-job training at the MLC

• Year 2: Continued block-release training at OAS supplemented with QuEST modules delivered by STFC staff in collaboration with UKAEA, covering technologies for Quantum, Fusion and high-tech engineering. On-the-job training at the MLC

• Year 3-4: Fully embedded in the workplace, applying your skills in real-world engineering environments as you progress toward becoming a qualified Engineering Technician.

Travel to OAS is required, with excess costs covered.

What We Are Looking For

To apply for this apprenticeship, you will need to demonstrate within your CV that you meet the following criteria. Evidence may be used from current or prior paid employment, voluntary roles or educational experiences. Where indicated, this detail will be assessed at shortlisting (S), interview (I) or both (S&I).  

Essential:

• 5 GCSEs including Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications (S)  

• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)

• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I)  

• A genuine interest in science, engineering, or technology and the work of MRC (S&I)

• An interest in how things work and a willingness to develop technical skills through hands-on experience (S&I)

• Enjoys solving problems, thinking things through, and coming up with ideas that work (I)

• Passion for technical projects related to this apprenticeship (S&I)  

• IT literacy and working with Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint (S)

We encourage you to be clear and specific about what motivates you about this apprenticeship role and how your interests align with the work of the MLC. 

Apprenticeship Core Eligibility Requirements 

To be eligible to be considered for the apprenticeship programme you must:

• Have evidence of 5 GCSE including Maths and English GCSE at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent i.e. Level 2 Functional Skills).

• Have lived in the UK and/or EU for 3 consecutive years prior to the apprentice start date.

• Confirm that this apprenticeship offers substantive new skills and knowledge and that you have not already achieved an equivalent or higher-level qualification in a similar or related subject. If you already hold a Level 3 Engineering qualification i.e. BTEC Extended Diploma, or an Engineering T-Level, please include as an attachment your transcript(s) outlining the grade(s) achieved and modules covered.