Vacuum Laboratory Technician Apprentice - STFC

Cogent Skills • Kennebunk, ME

5d

About The Position

Are you passionate about discovery and ready to take your first step into the world of laboratory science? Join our team as a Laboratory Technician Apprentice and gain hands-on experience while working towards being a fully qualified technician.
You'll be working alongside a skilled team, helping prepare and process specialist components that meet ultra-high vacuum standards—all for particle accelerators that power world-class scientific breakthroughs.
It's hands-on, exciting work that puts you right at the heart of real discoveries.
About an Apprenticeship at STFC
We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands-on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment.
You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check-ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals. Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.
Why join the ASTeC Vacuum Solutions Group at STFC
Our friendly, close-knit team of around 18 specialists are diving into cutting edge particle accelerator research. We're all about pushing boundaries for current and future ‘Big Science’ facilities—and our projects are anything but ordinary.
From collaborating with big-name partners like CERN and the European Spallation Source, to contributing to high-profile breakthroughs, you’ll be right in the middle of exciting, world-class science with people who genuinely love what they do.

Requirements

• 5 GCSE's Grades 9-4 (A - C) including Maths English and Science
• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)
• An awareness of basic health and safety
• A keen willingness to develop technical and engineering skills through hands-on experience
• A genuine interest in how things work as well as in engineering, technology, or science and the work of STFC
• Confident using a computer, especially tools like Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Pride in getting things just right
• Ability to work as part of a larger team even when working on tasks independently
• Enthusiastic and motivated to deliver high quality work to meet customer requirements
• Good at keeping things on track and getting tasks done on time.
• Enjoys solving practical problems, thinking things through, and coming up with ideas that work
• Willingness to complete repetitive tasks.
• Awareness of simple concepts related to basic vacuum
• Ability to follow technical instructions

Responsibilities

• Handling and inspecting specialist vacuum components with care and precision
• Supporting complex processing tasks such as heat treatment, surface cleaning, and performance measurement using high-tech instruments
• Supporting the groups specialists in delivering world-class science & technology projects
• Involved in the construction and operation of vacuum systems for active research projects, using equipment like ultrasonic cleaners, drying ovens, and gas analysers
• Following established safety and operational procedures to ensure consistency and high standards in every task
• Assisting with the calibration and routine maintenance of laboratory instruments
• Contributing to the upkeep of the lab environment
• Working collaboratively with teams across various departments, fostering strong communication and teamwork
• Gaining an understanding of essential lab standards, including ISO 9001 protocols and health, safety, and environmental (HSE) guidelines

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance - 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days)
• Flexible working hours
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED