Materials Science Degree Apprentice
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Abingdon (OX14 3DB)
Closes in 21 days (Friday 27 February 2026)
Posted on 5 February 2026
Contents
Summary
As Materials Science Degree Apprentice, you will work closely with a Materials Experimentalist, gaining hands‑on experience within the Tritium Fuel Cycle Division and wider UKAEA environment. You’ll learn core working practices and processes, receive direct supervision on project and programme tasks.
- Wage
-
£23,810 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Annual Increases
- Training course
- Materials science technologist (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
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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: Materials science technologist (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
TIRO TRAINING LTD
Training course
Materials science technologist (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
- Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
- Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
- Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
- Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
- Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
- Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
- Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
- Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
- Utilise cognitive and practical skills in conjunction with adaptability and versatility in technical support both in-house and to clients to improve manufacturing processes, problem solving, innovation, and scale up formulations.
- Determine and use industry standard and emerging digital technologies and data analysis tools to complete work activities and address problems that are ill defined or involve numerous interacting factors.
- Critically evaluate actions, methodologies, and results and their implications in analysing materials against parameters in product specifications.
- Conduct and interpret failure analysis of engineering components using relevant methodologies and systems such as but not limited to, for example, microscopy, macroscopy, and chemical analysis.
- Write clear and succinct technical and analytical reports.
- Research, adapt and test new technologies through materials characterisation feedback.
- Interpret, develop and implement UK and international materials standards, procedures and specifications across a range of operations and contexts.
- Maintain a working knowledge of a range of project management and financial management techniques to complete projects relevant to their discipline.
- Utilise emotional intelligence and identify a range of supervisory, management, and leadership skills in developing the ability to mentor, direct or lead teams or individuals.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders using the appropriate language register both verbally and in writing.
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 materials scienctist/engineer
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TIRO TRAINING LTD
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013384.
Apply now
Closes in 21 days (Friday 27 February 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.