As a Level 3 laboratory apprentice, you are joining a team dedicated to the meticulous analysis and control of chemical contamination in support of space science missions. The laboratory plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of space hardware and cleanroom operations. You will be actively involved in the development of a new laboratory, contributing to method development, validation, and the operation of current molecular organic contamination measurement systems. This is a hands-on environment where precision, safety, and scientific curiosity are essential—your journey here will be both challenging and rewarding as you help advance the success of UK and international space programmes. 

Qualification Requirements
5 GCSE's Grades 9-4 (A* - C) including Maths English and Science

Salary - £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)

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.

• For a list of our full benefits, please visit here.

Location - Didcot, OX11 0QX

Working Hours 37 hours per week

Duration - 28 months

Start Date - September 2026

Interview Date -February / March 2026

Closing Date for Applications - 2nd February

To Apply
To apply, please click the Apply Now button and complete the form. If you are having difficulty in completing this, please contact recruitment on recruitment@cogentskills.com for assistance

Next Steps

Your application will be forwarded to the Hiring Managers at STFC who will be in touch.

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 Quality Assurance and Safety Group Team at STFC?

The contamination control team sits within the RAL Space Quality Assurance and Safety Group (QASG). We work closely with the Environmental Test groups and project support teams to ensure that contamination risks are understood and effectively mitigated throughout the lifecycle of space hardware, particularly during Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT). This is an exciting time to join the team, as we have recently secured funding to expand our operational capabilities. You will play a key role in method development and validation activities that will shape the laboratory’s future analytical capabilities and support mission-critical contamination control.

Welcome to RAL Space 

Careers at RAL Space: Vicki, Senior Quality Assurance Specialist 

Introducing RAL Space's National Satellite Test Facility - YouTube 

The Small Satellite Calibration Facility | RAL Space & NPL

Qualifications gained  

Level 3 Laboratory Technician  

BTEC Level 3 Applied Science with additional training   

Laboratory technician / Skills England  

What you’ll learn 

A Laboratory Technician apprentice will learn: 

How to work safely and effectively in a laboratory environment.  

• The importance of following quality procedures and maintaining compliance with industry regulations.  

• Regulatory requirements governing laboratory operations.  

• Technical skills essential for performing laboratory tasks with accuracy and precision.  

• Methods for producing, analysing, and interpreting data, including the application of statistical techniques.  

• Effective communication of scientific information in a clear and professional manner.  

• How to apply appropriate scientific methods to identify problems and develop practical solutions. 

Training provider

Cogent Skills  

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard - Cogent Skills 

Delivery 1 day a week online including 3-day practical workshop at the National STEM centre in York & if applicable 3-day exam residential at Cogent Skills HQ in Warrington. 

What You’ll Be Doing – Day-to-day responsibilities 

• Preparing samples using solvents within a laboratory environment 

• Deploying and retrieving samples used for monitoring clean room operations, thermal vacuum testing and project contamination control 

• Analysing samples, interpreting data and compiling reports  

• Supporting contamination investigations 

• Supporting method development activities [ECSS-Q-ST-70-05C] 

• Supporting method verification/validation.  

Entry Requirements

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).

We are looking for the following:

• GCSEs in Maths, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) (S)  

• An awareness of basic health and safety (I)  

• Basic understanding of laboratory safety and willingness to learn COSHH regulations (S&I) 

• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (S&I) 

• Has a basic understanding of a clean room and a willingness to learn more (S&I) 

• Enjoys following routine procedures and understands their importance (I) 

• Willingness to learn analytical techniques e.g., FTIR transmission spectroscopy (I) 

• Interest in working in controlled environments (cleanrooms) (I) 

• Attention to detail and commitment to precision (S&I) 

• Takes ownership of mistakes, learning from them to prevent issues from impacting customers. (I) 

• Enthusiasm for science and space-related research(S&I) 

• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records (I)  

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes at 9-4 or A*-C in GCSE (or equivalent) Maths and English. For those sitting their GSCEs in Summer 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades.

• When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.

• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered.  By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

We will be in touch after the closing date, however, please reach out on apprenticerecruitment@ukri.org if you have any questions. 

As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y