Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship (level 3)

• Are you a practical individual seeking a new opportunity in engineering?
• Are you enthusiastic about learning electronics or mechanics?

If so, an Engineering Fitter Level 3 Apprenticeship is for you.

Join Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to launch your engineering career within our electronic laboratories or mechanical workshops – as well as spending time at our training provider.

You will share our values collaboration, innovation and impact which are at the heart of everything we do. Your contributions will support vital research and development that helps keep our nation safe.

Electronics or Mechanical?

Your pathway (influenced by you) will determine the skills you learn.

If electronics, you will learn about circuit designs, microelectronics and use of test equipment. If mechanical, your learning will include bench fitting, engineering drawing and welding. Discover what each pathway entails in our job profile attached on Civil Service Jobs.

Your current situation?

You may be finishing college, leaving the armed forces, looking for a career change or not enjoying your current studies. No matter what your current situation is, if you are over 18 years old you can become part of our Engineering Fitter cohort starting in September 2024. Interested and not sure which pathway you should take? Please still apply!

After the apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and being able to demonstrate the required behaviours you will be supported in applying for a permanent position at Dstl, which will include further career development opportunities according to the role. You may also decide to undertake another apprenticeship.

• Join a group of likeminded apprentices in Counter-Terrorism & Security (CTS), contributing to projects that make a real difference
• Develop, learn and study whilst working in our workshops and facilities and at the training provider
• Embrace new experiences as you work with friendly colleagues in placements designed to enhance your growth
• Use safe working practices ensuring that you and your colleagues report on any unsafe practices, no matter how big or small. You will, follow safety guidelines, respecting and contributing to a strong Dstl safety culture.

We are looking for someone who has:

• A genuine interest in studying mechanicals and/or electrical engineering
• Enthusiasm about undertaking practical tasks
• The desire and the ability to learn new concepts

You will possess these essential skills:

• A drive for problem solving and understanding how and why things work
• Good communication

You may also have these desirable skills:

Electrical Pathway

• An interest and/or experience in coding/software programming
• An understanding of Radio Frequency (RF)
• An understanding of domestic electrics
• Knowledge of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Mechanical Pathway

• An interest and/or experience in Engineering and Mechanics (eg. motor vehicle, machining or design)
• An understanding of resistant materials

If you don’t meet all the desirable skills, which include hobbies – you are still encouraged to apply!

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

 This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. You must be 18 in September 2024 to undertake this apprenticeship.

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Benefits 

Dstl’s full range of great benefits can be found in the information pack which includes:

• Financial: An excellent pension scheme starting from 26% employer contribution (find out more here). In Year Rewarding Achievement bonuses and thank you vouchers. Rental deposit scheme and cycle to work scheme.

• Flexible working: Options include alternative working patterns such as; compressed hours (e.g. working a 4 day week/ 9 day fortnight), job shares and annualised hours (agreed number of hours per annum paid monthly i.e. working term-time only).

• Working hours: Flexibility around your working day (e.g. start time, finish time). Ability to bank hours in a 12 month reference period including the ability to accrue and use 3 days per calendar month.

• Where you work: Depending on your role, blended working may be available including remote working to suit you and your team. This can be discussed at interview.

• Annual leave: 25 days pro rata (rising to 30 after 5 years) plus 8 public holidays with the ability to buy/sell 5 additional days per annum.

• Family: Maternity, adoption or shared parental leave of up to 26 weeks with full pay, an additional 13 weeks statutory pay and a further 13 weeks unpaid

• Learning and Development: Dstl encourages and supports charterships, accreditations and provides employees access to fully funded apprenticeships up to level 7 (Masters Degree). Dstl will pay for 2 memberships with relevant bodies/institutions. Employees also have access to Civil Service Learning.

• Facilities: Onsite parking, EV Charging points, restaurants, cafés and gyms.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Job contact :

• Name : Dstl Recruitment Team
• Email : dstlrecruitmnet@dstl.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk