Apprentice Telescope Engineering Technician

Summary

Reach for the stars with this fantastic engineering apprenticeship at the UNESCO World Heritage site of the UK’s largest radio telescope. Jodrell Bank, operated by the University of Manchester, is appointing a new recruit for fault-finding, repair and maintenance of its specialised equipment.

Wage

£23,414 a year

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Training course

Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (variable times to suit workplace requirements). 1 hour for lunch.

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 8 September 2025

Duration

3 years

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

Join our world-renowned team at Jodrell Bank Observatory and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge telescope technology. Working primarily at Jodrell Bank Observatory (JBO), within the Telescope Workshop, Cryogenics Laboratory, Electronics Laboratory, Telescope Sevo Laboratory, and on-site telescope work, you will learn to work as part of a unique specialised team. Responding to routine maintenance duties, inspections, and rapid response to faults.

Many of the activities will take place outdoors, in all weathers, and at height (if you have any fear of heights then this work will unfortunately not be suitable for you).

Additionally, you will be required to attend the main University campus in Manchester for development, training, and networking events.

Typical duties will include (but not be limited to) the following areas:

Electronic repair and maintenance using test equipment for repairs, servicing, and calibration of specialised equipment.
Construct and test prototype electronic equipment from circuit diagrams.
Support planned maintenance activities to ensure operational availability of all JBO radio telescopes.
Electronics repairs for breakdowns on all JBO radio telescopes and site equipment.
Plant and machinery operation, maintenance of motorised equipment including hydraulic access platforms, tele-handlers, compressors, and other mobile plant.
Installation, maintenance and electronic adjustment of radio receivers and sub-reflectors.
Contribute to identifying and troubleshooting problems with systems, including mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues.
Industrial tower climbing and rescue techniques.
Cleaning, painting, repairing, installing, and adjusting telescopes and equipment sometimes by means of rope access techniques.
Support teaching and/or research resource requirements in advance, including maintaining appropriate stock and consumable levels, procurement of goods, liaising with colleagues, etc.
Provide information, advice and guidance to all stakeholders while maintaining a focus on service excellence.

Additional training will be available to suitable candidates who have shown specific interest or ability in an area to allow specialisation as required.

Where you'll work

Jodrell Bank Observatory
Bomish Ln, Macclesfield
SK11 9DW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

Your training course

Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

You will spend a mixture of time working at Jodrell Bank alongside a two-day release apprenticeship in partnership with Cheshire College – South & West to gain the technical skills required to carry out your duties as an Electronics Engineering Technician. We will provide you with all the necessary tools and equipment, uniform, and robust training to make this the apprenticeship of your choice.

More training information

We offer a unique programme filled to the brim with hands-on training and a range of industry-leading qualifications, including a level 2 Foundation Competence in Engineering, to a level 3 apprenticeship in Maintenance Operative Engineering.

All training undertaken will provide you with the skills, experience, and qualifications to develop professional etiquette and performance in a highly competitive sector. The training is deliberately broad, teaching a wide range of core and specialised competencies, specific to observatory requirements. This allows you time to discover the variety of careers available.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade C/4)
Maths (grade C/4)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

Engineering (grade C/4)

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
Organisation skills
Team working
Willing to work at height
Determination

Other requirements

Please consider outdoor work is mandatory in this role. JBO is a remote site and travel should be considered. We are strongly committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and encourage all applicants to apply. Our university is positive about flexible working, and blended working arrangements may be considered.

About this company

Your apprenticeship will be at a UNESCO World Heritage site which is home to the UK’s largest radio telescope. Jodrell Bank’s inspirational story includes revolutionary scientific discoveries,amazing feats of engineering, the dawn of the Space Age and the creation of the Grade I listed Lovell Telescope, an icon for science and engineering.Today Jodrell Bank Observatory is owned and managed by the University of Manchester and is a world-leading science research institute, with scientists and engineers working at the cutting edge of modern astrophysics.Your employer will be one of the world’s leading universities built on research and teaching practices, coupled with one of the most respected apprenticeship programmes in the UK. The apprenticeship programme builds its successes year-on-year and continues to develop, matching the needs of the university and our community. We are proud of our strong reputation, supporting each of our apprentices with individualised training, specialised projects, and targeted development to build a future career at the cutting edge of technology.

After this apprenticeship

Upon completion of the apprenticeship in approx. 3 years, you will have a portfolio of key science and engineering skills and a wealth of varied, relevant experience.

Most apprentices are successful in securing a role with the university or choose to continue their academic studies. Opportunities to progress to a higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship exist for high-performing candidates upon completion of their first apprenticeship with us.

Whilst we cannot guarantee a permanent position at the University of Manchester, we endeavour to match apprentices with appropriate vacancies and support them through the entire application process.

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