Control Systems Degree Apprentice
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Abingdon (OX14 3DB)
Closes in 18 days (Friday 27 February 2026)
Posted on 5 February 2026
Contents
Summary
As a Control Systems Degree Apprentice, you will support the Control & Instrumentation Group providing expertise, support and services across the organisation for projects and programmes. We have extensive experience in leading, designing, building, installing and commissioning electrical, control and instrumentation systems.
- Wage
-
£23,810 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Annual Increases
- Training course
- Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday
08:15 to 16:30
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Duration
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4 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
- Successfully complete the nationally recognised qualification specified within the apprenticeship standard: Control systems engineer (degree) / Skills England
- Attend the designated training provider and develop a strong understanding of the technical knowledge and skills required for the role
- Act as an ambassador for UKAEA by representing the organisation at external outreach, engagement, and careers events
Where you'll work
Culham Campus
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Training course
Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
- Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
- Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
- Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
- Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
- Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
- Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
- Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
- Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
- Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
- Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
- Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
Training schedule
Through UKAEA’s Apprenticeship Scheme, you will build the technical expertise, practical experience, and wider professional skills required for both your current role and future career progression. This is achieved through a combination of formal off‑the‑job learning and on‑the‑job training within a real working environment.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team working
- Initiative
Other requirements
The scheme requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.
About this employer
By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.
UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements with the goal to bring fusion electricity to the grid. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.
Company benefits
- 20% dedicated study time
- Culham Sports & Social Club
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible)
After this apprenticeship
- Working towards becoming a Control Systems Engineer
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013080.
Apply now
Closes in 18 days (Friday 27 February 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.