Job Description

Apprentice Technician- Mechanical Engineering Bias

(

Job Number:

25001252

)

Department of Physics
Grade 2: - 23,478 - 23,751 per annum
Apprentice - Full Time

Contract Duration

:

36 months

Contracted Hours per Week

:

35

Closing Date

:

12-Oct-2025, 5:59:00 PM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement

:

Not Applicable.

The University

At Durham University, we are proud of our people, because they are at the heart of our globally outstanding institution, which is a key part of our local community. We inspire our people to do extraordinary things and we invite you to join our fantastic team.


Across the University, we have a huge variety of roles and responsibilities, which together make us one large and successful community. Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.


At the University we promote and actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion. It is crucial that everyone can be themselves and can flourish in an environment where everyone respects each other and is treated fairly. We want our people and wider community to feel happy, secure and proud to be a part of Durham. We are looking for the same values in you.


We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. For more information on our EDI strategy and values click here

The Role and Host Departments

The Department of Physics at Durham University is one of the top UK Physics departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and employability of our students. Ranked in the top 10 in REF2022 in terms of power, 96% of Durham Physics research was considered either to be of "internationally excellent quality" or "world leading".


The Department of Engineering at Durham is consistently one of the very best UK Engineering Departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and the employability of our students. The strategic vision for the Department includes a growth plan over the next five years, with a significant enhancement of our research and teaching provision. It's an exciting time to join the Department and make your mark.


The post holder will be responsible for learning and assisting with the day-to-day technical functions and operations in the Departments of Physics and Engineering, providing technical and engineering related assistance from within the technical teams.


The post holder will be required to undertake formal training within the Mechanical Engineering Workshops of both Departments with an opportunity to gain further skills from placement within a variety of Research and Teaching Laboratories and also the Electronic Engineering workshops in order to provide technical assistance to support all teaching and research activities conducted within the Departments.


In addition, the post holder will be required to follow an approved apprenticeship training framework of a Mechanical Engineering discipline delivered by an external provider.


Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

You'll receive 27 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 39 days. The University closes between Christmas and New Year. No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions. Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16. We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference to the local community. Our family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). If you are keen on advancing in your role or career, we have a genuine passion for developing our colleagues from qualifications to IT skills, courses and apprenticeships. We offer generous pension schemes with varying contribution amounts to help you plan for your future.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply

To be considered for this role, here are the skills/experience we're looking for:

1. Achievement of at least five GCSE's at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent) including English Language and Mathematics.

2. Good spoken and written communication skills.

3. Basic digital skills including the ability to use the internet and email.

4. Basic numeracy and literacy skills.

5. Experience of working in a team.

6. Experience of managing time to meet deadlines.

7. Ability to follow instructions, spoken or written, accurately.

8. Ability to follow health and safety guidelines.

9. Experience of working in a customer focussed technical service.

10. Familiarity with or an interest in scientific, technical, and creative equipment.

Desirable Criteria

Achievement of a T Level technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering.

How to Apply

We prefer to receive applications online. When you apply you need to submit a CV and/or a statement that tells us your experience and gives examples of how you meet the criteria above and/or submit the application form and include the information within the form.


We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

Who to contact for more information

If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role or if you are struggling to complete the application process the departmental contacts below would be happy to help.

Mr Wayne Dobby, Department of Physics Technical Services and Facilities Manager (wayne.dobby@durham.ac.uk). Dr Steven Robertson, Department of Engineering Senior Technical Manager (steven.robertson@durham.ac.uk)

Typical Role Requirements

Follow documented service procedures, referring to more experienced colleagues with less straightforward issues. Operate, clean, and maintain straightforward investigative, analytical, and sensing, mechanical, and digital equipment under supervision. Carry out a range of tasks that require a more than standard level of physical, manual, and sensory dexterity, following training, for short periods of time. Look after yourself and others by following health and safety regulations on a day-to-day basis including correctly wearing any protective clothing or equipment provided e.g. safety shoes, eye protection etc. Gather and/or record data on standard systems in accordance with protocols and procedures.

Teamwork

Assist team members to complete tasks to meet learning, teaching, and/or research objectives. Assist team members to prepare, set-up, and dismantle specialist equipment, tools, and facilities under supervision. Assist team members to monitor and replenish stock levels of resources. Contribute input within a service team to provide a responsive service for stakeholders. Help your colleagues when required with other key activities undertaken within your service such as attendance at outreach and presentation events. Contribute to team effort with more straightforward tasks during peak workflows. Bring any problems to the attention of more senior colleagues.

Communication/Personal

Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values. Learn new skills and techniques on the job working alongside more experienced team members. Learn about the hazards and risks within own area of work and report any near miss, incidents, and accidents in accordance with recognised procedures and protocols. Respond to straightforward requests for information from stakeholders. Demonstrate some pre-employment familiarity with the techniques, and processes used in the service area. Respond to routine requests for information. Use digital devices and apps (such as email) to communicate with students, your colleagues and anyone else you come across as part of your role. Any other reasonable duties.


When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.