Apprentice Mechanical Engineering Technician - University of Oxford Department of Physics University of Oxford

A fantastic opportunity to join the University of Oxford as an Apprentice Mechanical Engineering Technician in the Physics department and play a part in developing a better future for all. A unique department specialising in topics such as space exploration, finding cures for human diseases and the world’s first functioning quantum computers!

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: today

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £22,150.00

    38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts, professional development opportunities, sporting facilities, childcare facilities and staff networking to name just a few!

  • Working week

    Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

    Total hours per week: 36.5

  • Expected duration

    27 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Sep 2023

  • Date posted

    26 Apr 2023

  • Apprenticeship level

    Intermediate
    Level 2 (GCSE)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000158249

  • Positions

    1 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

The role has come about because we want science research to continue to be successful and we therefore need more technicians who are multi-skilled for our workshops. For this apprenticeship, you will work at the Physics department in Central Oxford. 

You will train in a range of technician disciplines both on site by working with and providing support to the workshops and at college studying towards the L2 and L3 apprenticeship qualifications.

You will train in the Physics Department (whilst completing both apprenticeship levels) on the following:

  • To update/maintain logbook of work/projects carried out in line with the requirements of the apprenticeship
  • To meet at regular intervals with the workshop manager to monitor progress
  • To work at all times with due care to the requirements of health and safety relevant to the work being carried out at any time.
  • To take stage-by-stage instructions from an experienced technician, in order to complete basic technical tasks independently
  • To safely operate basic manual machines and equipment and seeking assistance from more experienced technicians when required

You will attend Abingdon and Witney College, Abingdon Campus to ensure that the required academic levels are being achieved, and that you are on target to finish the courses within the agreed time frame.

To continue undertaking training and practical work across the department of physics, in some of the following functions:

  • Working under instruction on a standard range of manual metal working machines such as: lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, saws and sheet metal equipment
  • Working under instruction on the assembly of scientific equipment, metrology of finished components and the use of
    CNC equipment

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

As part of your apprenticeship, you will be required to attend Abingdon and Witney College's Abingdon campus. To start with, you will undertake the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard as a foundation and will then automatically move on to the Level 3 Engineering Fitter.

In year one of your Level 2 apprenticeship, you will need to attend Abingdon two days a week, followed by one day a week in the second year. As part of this you will achieve the

  • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills) and the Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Knowledge). 

After you have successfully achieved your Level 2 Apprenticeship End Point Assessment (EPA) which includes a practical assessment  and a professional discussion with an independent End Point Assessor, you will then progress straight on to Level 3.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

  • After successful completion of L2, you will be expected to move on to the Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard
  • For the level 3 apprenticeship, you will attend Abingdon one day a week for two years. As part of this you will achieve the Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Technical Knowledge). After you have successfully achieved your Level 3 Apprenticeship
  • End Point Assessment (EPA) which includes a project report, multiple choice test and a professional discussion with an independent End Point Assessor, you will have completed your L3 Apprenticeship training
  • In total it will take four and a half years to complete and achieve all elements of both apprenticeship levels, with support from the Department, University, and College throughout
  • Over 80% of our apprentices continue with us in the role they have been trained for after their Apprenticeship and that is just the start of their career

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Problem solving skills, Interest in a relevant area, Committed to the training, Aptitude for the role

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English, maths and a science subject (Grade A*-C/9-4 (or equivalent)) Essential

Things to consider

You will be passionate about starting your career in Science and excited about the opportunity about becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford. You may be starting your career or you may be looking for a career change. To complete the level 2 and then the level 3 apprenticeship, it is essential that you will be able to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE Maths and English. Please note that the Training Provider is required to assess your current ability in Maths and English as part of the application process, even if you already have your English and maths qualifications. in applying for this role, you are giving Abingdon and Witney College the permission to access your Learner Record and to contact you in order to carry out required pre-screening checks.

About the employer

Becoming an apprentice at the University of Oxford is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and training. You will work alongside experienced colleagues, whilst learning on the job and appropriate objectives will be set during the course of the Apprenticeship. At the same time, you will study for formal qualifications in your field. We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 14,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles.

Employer

University of Oxford

Address

Denys Wilkinson Building

Keble Road

Oxford

OX1 3RH

You must have JavaScript enabled to view a map of the location

Training

Training provider

ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE

Contact

Jane Phipps

apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

01235216216

Apprenticeship standard

Engineering operative

Level 2 (GCSE)

Employer's Application Instructions

Please follow the link and click on the Apprentice Technician role where you can see the job details and job description. Click on 'Apply Now' to apply, making sure you have read all of the information and meet the entry criteria.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: today