Apprentice Mechanical Technician - Department of Engineering Science
University of Oxford
Oxford (OX1 3PJ)
Closes in 15 days (Sunday 22 June 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 6 June 2025
Contents
Summary
An exciting opportunity for you to join the University of Oxford as an Apprentice Mechanical Technician in the Engineering Science department. You will complete a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship followed by a L3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship and will work across the different mechanical workshops in the Engineering Department.
- Wage
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£25,331 a year
- Training course
- Engineering operative (level 2)
- Hours
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Monday-Friday, 36.5hrs pw. Regular weekday hours are to be confirmed. This is a 16-month Level 2 apprenticeship, moving on to a further Level 3 apprenticeship within a 3.5-year fixed term employment contract.
36 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 1 September 2025
- Duration
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1 year 4 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
You will work as an Apprentice Mechanical Technician. You will be required to complete a three-and-a-half-year training programme that will cover all aspects of the role delivered through in-house training, alongside day-release or other distance learning methods delivered by Abingdon & Witney college.
The apprenticeship includes an exciting opportunity to work across all the different mechanical workshops in the Engineering Department, workshops which support research in biomedical, turbo machinery, materials testing and various other areas of research. The university supports travel to different sites as required.
Hazard-specific / Safety-critical duties.
This job includes the following hazard-specific or safety-critical duties that will require successful pre-employment health screening through our Occupational Health Department before the successful candidate can commence work:
- Work with sensitisers/work requiring health surveillance.
- Regular manual handling.
- Safety-critical work (refer to the Hazards' checklist for specific examples).
All tasks will be at a level appropriate to the apprentice’s developing skills, under the guidance of the Head of Workshop.
All skill areas will involve the identification, planning and performing of mechanical technician tasks across the Department, including the operation of specialist machinery. The apprentice will also support all aspects of the day-to-day running of the workshop. The apprentice will be supervised at all times when in workshops.
Key Duties:
- Learn to use a wide range of machine tools, including three-axis CNC/manual milling machines and two-axis CNC/manual lathes.
- Learn to use a wide range of workshop equipment, including precision measuring instruments, lathes, milling machines, grinders, power saws, hand tools and sheet metal equipment.
- Assist with preparing drawings from sketches and discussions with researchers using Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs.
- Take stage-by-stage instructions from an experienced workshop technician in order to complete basic technician tasks independently.
- Liaise with staff in other workshops to develop confidence and interpersonal skills. Engage with academics, researchers, staff and students to offer advice on potential engineering solutions.
- Update/maintain a logbook of work/projects carried out in line with the requirements of the apprenticeship.
- Support students in taught sessions, where appropriate.
- Support Outreach and STEM activities, as well as University Open days.
- Assist with maintaining, servicing, and repairing workshop machinery and equipment when required.
- Check and maintain operating efficiency and cleanliness of tools, apparatus and workshop premises.
- Comply with Health & Safety procedures and work in a safe manner.
- Understand and record time and materials used on projects.
- Log details from customers and assist with providing quotes.
- Answer telephone calls, emails, handle routine enquiries and take messages as required.
- Meet at regular intervals with the head of the workshop to monitor progress.
- Attend training college to ensure that the required academic levels are achieved, and are on target to finish the course within the agreed time.
Where you'll work
Department of Engineering Science
Parks Road
Oxford
OX1 3PJ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
Your training course
Engineering operative (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
Your training plan
You will complete the L2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard as below:
Duration:
13 months practical training period, plus 3 months for End Point Assessment
Delivery model:
- Work-based training with your employer
- Day release during term time (approximately 2 days a week for 1 year)
- Regular meetings with your training coordinator to monitor progress and well-being
- Off-the-job training will count for at least 6 hours a week of an apprentice’s time at work
Qualifications included:
- Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills)
- Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations (Knowledge)
- Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
End Point Assessment:
- Practical assessment
- Professional discussion
This will be followed by the L3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard on successful completion of level 2.
More training information
You will attend Abingdon & Witney College, Abingdon Campus 2 days per week for Level 2.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4 or equivalent)Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Logical
- Willing to learn new skills
- Safety conscious
- Positive attitude
- Strong work ethic
- Passion for engineering
Other requirements
INTERVIEWS ARE PLANNED FOR MON 21st and Tue 22nd JULY 2025 for shortlisted candidates who have completed all the eligibility checks. A full job description is also available on the University of Oxford jobs page. Your application will be judged solely on the basis of how you demonstrate that you meet the selection criteria stated in the job description. Please use your own words to answer the questions as AI-generated answers tend to score lower and don't give the Hiring Manager a sense of why you are the right candidate for the role. As part of the recruitment process, longlisted candidates will be contacted directly by the Apprenticeship Training Provider and will be required to complete initial assessments in English and maths, provide an up-to-date CV and book onto a short eligibility assessment telephone call where you can also find out more about the apprenticeship and ask any questions you may have. Please note that you must respond promptly to training provider email and phone requests for information or your application may be rejected. By applying for this vacancy, you are giving the Training Provider permission to undertake a Learner Record Service check on your previous qualifications. The Training Provider for this apprenticeship is Abingdon & Witney College. If you would like to talk to them about the assessments, please call on 01235 216216. We make every effort to ensure that applicants from non-traditional academic backgrounds or those who may not have the formal GCSE entry requirements can access apprenticeships where possible. This advert may close early if applications exceed the required number. Please apply early so that you don't miss out.
About this company
We are the largest employer in Oxfordshire with around 16,000 staff working in and around Oxford in a huge range of roles. Our apprentices are never on their own and will benefit from a supportive environment working in collaboration with the rest of our committed team. You will also be supported by the central apprenticeship team and you will join our growing network of apprentices within the university. You will have the opportunity to become an apprenticeship ambassador for the University and region. We will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive workplace, offering support and development opportunities that will enable you to progress and do your best work. We recognise diversity as our strength, vital for innovation and creativity, and we aspire to build a truly diverse community, which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
https://eng.ox.ac.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
You'll enjoy 38 days’ paid holiday, generous pension schemes, travel discounts and professional development opportunities. Free entry to the Botanic Gardens and university colleges, and discounts at university museums.
After this apprenticeship
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.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ABINGDON AND WITNEY COLLEGE
Jane Phipps
apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
01235 216216
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000324760.
Apply now
Closes in 15 days (Sunday 22 June 2025 at 11:59pm)
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