Measurement Science Apprentice

DIAMOND LIGHT SOURCE LIMITED

Didcot (OX11 0DE)

Closes in 13 days (Sunday 12 July 2026)

Posted on 29 June 2026

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Summary

In today’s high-tech world, accurate measurements are more important than ever. This role will work on scientific projects under the guidance of measurement specialists, to be trained to use computer controlled, scientific instruments to perform accurate length and angle measurements.

• Wage:

  £17,395 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Pay will increase each year of the apprenticeship in recognition of increased knowledge, skills and competence.

  We also have an annual pay review in line with government guidelines.

• Training course: Metrology technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday-Friday (with some flexibility of hours)

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• 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

As your knowledge and skills develop, the role will expand to include the following responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of Metrology Specialists, help to test equipment using state-of-the-art scientific instruments in the Precision Metrology Laboratory
• Contribute to the everyday operation and maintenance of the lab, including designing and building simple mechanical apparatus
• With suitable training, operate computer-controlled, scientific instruments
• Participate in scientific research projects
• Follow safe working practices in the lab
• Assist with basic analysis of scientific data

Where you'll work

Diamond House
Harwell Science
And Innovation Campus
Didcot
OX11 0DE

Training

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

Training provider

NPL MANAGEMENT LIMITED

Training course

Metrology technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Identify measurement requirements and make informed decisions about the measurement method, process and timescales required.
• Identify and select tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs to meet measurement requirements.
• Plan and prepare for measurement tasks following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
• Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process, for example data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates.
• Prepare the work environment.
• Select and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs, determine suitability for use and metrological confirmation.
• Take appropriate action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs have been identified, for example reporting any non-conformance via the appropriate channels.
• Perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable, traceable and reproducible results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
• Maintain the work area following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
• Follow organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, control, handling and disposal of resources, for example standards, samples, materials, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software.
• Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate, format, record and store measurement results and data in line with organisational specifications and data management regulations and procedures.
• Produce, manage and store records, reports and other measurement documentation in line with data management regulations and organisational procedures.
• Solve problems, take an analytical approach, corrective and preventative action within level of own authority, following organisational policies and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities individually or as part of a team, recognising the relevance of efficiency and the need for change to processes and procedures to meet commercial and customer requirements.
• Communicate relevant, specific and accurate information through various channels to meet customer requirements and the needs of the audience.
• Work with others and maintain effective professional relationships by working flexibly and collaboratively.
• Plan and manage own time effectively and prioritise resources and own workload to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
• Use digital tools, software and techniques for work, collaboration or continuous professional development.
• Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards relevant to the organisation, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
• Comply with health and safety legislation, regulations, industry standards and organisational policies and procedures for safe working practices, raising any concerns via the relevant channels.
• Contribute to risk assessments following organisational policies and procedures.
• Identify measurement requirements and make informed decisions about the measurement method, process and timescales required.
• Identify and select tools, equipment, instrumentation and software programs to meet measurement requirements.
• Plan and prepare for measurement tasks following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
• Access and interpret information and documentation to support the measurement process, for example data, manuals, specifications, catalogues, calibration certificates.
• Prepare the work environment.
• Select and perform tests and checks on measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs, determine suitability for use and metrological confirmation.
• Take appropriate action when non-conforming tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials, process or software programs have been identified, for example reporting any non-conformance via the appropriate channels.
• Perform measurement tasks to ensure verifiable, traceable and reproducible results, using measurement tools, equipment, instrumentation, materials and software programs, following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
• Maintain the work area following specified procedures and methodologies appropriate to the organisation.
• Follow organisational policies and procedures relating to the preparation, storage, control, handling and disposal of resources, for example standards, samples, materials, tools, equipment, instrumentation and software.
• Retrieve, analyse, interpret, validate, format, record and store measurement results and data in line with organisational specifications and data management regulations and procedures.
• Produce, manage and store records, reports and other measurement documentation in line with data management regulations and organisational procedures.
• Solve problems, take an analytical approach, corrective and preventative action within level of own authority, following organisational policies and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement activities individually or as part of a team, recognising the relevance of efficiency and the need for change to processes and procedures to meet commercial and customer requirements.
• Communicate relevant, specific and accurate information through various channels to meet customer requirements and the needs of the audience.
• Work with others and maintain effective professional relationships by working flexibly and collaboratively.
• Plan and manage own time effectively and prioritise resources and own workload to meet deadlines and customer requirements.
• Use digital tools, software and techniques for work, collaboration or continuous professional development.
• Comply with statutory regulations, national and international standards relevant to the organisation, industry and organisational procedures and requirements relating to codes of conduct when carrying out measurement tasks.
• Comply with health and safety legislation, regulations, industry standards and organisational policies and procedures for safe working practices, raising any concerns via the relevant channels.
• Contribute to risk assessments following organisational policies and procedures.

Training schedule

National Physical Laboratory (NPL), a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards. NPL is based in Teddington, Southwest London, where you will be required to undertake 6 x 1-week blocks of training per year

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Practical skills

About this employer

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron; a huge scientific facility designed to produce very intense beams of X-rays, infrared and ultraviolet light. Our scientists use the light to study a vast range of subject matter, from new medicines and treatments for disease to innovative engineering and cutting-edge technology. As one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, Diamond provides the opportunity to work and learn within an exciting and unique working environment with a vast array of scientific research that really does make a difference in shaping and changing the world and our understanding of it. 

https://www.diamond.ac.uk/Home.html (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 26 days leave plus Xmas closure
• 2 annual volunteering days
• Flexible working
• An excellent pension scheme
• Cafes and sports facilities onsite
• See website for more

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

• Metrology Scientist (or related specialist scientific roles)

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DIAMOND LIGHT SOURCE LIMITED

Alex Chandler

alex.chandler@diamond.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000039665.

Apply now

Closes in 13 days (Sunday 12 July 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.