Apprentice Telescope Engineering Technician

Join our world-renowned team at Jodrell Bank Observatory and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge telescope technology. Working primarily at Jodrell Bank Observatory (JBO), within the Telescope Workshop, Cryogenics Laboratory, Electronics Laboratory, Telescope Sevo Laboratory, and on-site telescope work, you will learn to work as part of a unique specialised team. Responding to routine maintenance duties, inspections, and rapid response to faults. 

Many of the activities will take place outdoors, in all weathers, and at height (if you have any fear of heights then this work will unfortunately not be suitable for you).

Additionally, you will be required to attend the main University campus in Manchester for development, training, and networking events.

Typical duties will include (but not be limited to) the following areas:

Electronic repair and maintenance using test equipment for repairs, servicing, and calibration of specialised equipment. Construct and test prototype electronic equipment from circuit diagrams. Support planned maintenance activities to ensure operational availability of all JBO radio telescopes. Electronics repairs for breakdowns on all JBO radio telescopes and site equipment. Plant and machinery operation, maintenance of motorised equipment including hydraulic access platforms, tele-handlers, compressors, and other mobile plant. Installation, maintenance and electronic adjustment of radio receivers and sub-reflectors. Contribute to identifying and troubleshooting problems with systems, including mechanical, electrical, and software-related issues. Industrial tower climbing and rescue techniques. Cleaning, painting, repairing, installing, and adjusting telescopes and equipment sometimes by means of rope access techniques. Support teaching and/or research resource requirements in advance, including maintaining appropriate stock and consumable levels, procurement of goods, liaising with colleagues, etc. Provide information, advice and guidance to all stakeholders while maintaining a focus on service excellence.

Additional training will be available to suitable candidates who have shown specific interest or ability in an area to allow specialisation as required.



Training:

You will spend a mixture of time working at Jodrell Bank alongside a two-day release apprenticeship in partnership with Cheshire College – South & West to gain the technical skills required to carry out your duties as an Electronics Engineering Technician. We will provide you with all the necessary tools and equipment, uniform, and robust training to make this the apprenticeship of your choice.



Training Outcome:

Upon completion of the apprenticeship in approx. 3 years, you will have a portfolio of key science and engineering skills and a wealth of varied, relevant experience.

Most apprentices are successful in securing a role with the university or choose to continue their academic studies. Opportunities to progress to a higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship exist for high-performing candidates upon completion of their first apprenticeship with us.

Whilst we cannot guarantee a permanent position at the University of Manchester, we endeavour to match apprentices with appropriate vacancies and support them through the entire application process.



Employer Description:
Jodrell Bank’s inspirational story includes revolutionary scientific discoveries,amazing feats of engineering, the dawn of the Space Age and the creation of the Grade I listed Lovell Telescope, an icon for science and engineering.Today Jodrell Bank Observatory is owned and managed by the University of Manchester and is a world-leading science research institute, with scientists and engineers working at the cutting edge of modern astrophysics.Your employer will be one of the world’s leading universities built on research and teaching practices, coupled with one of the most respected apprenticeship programmes in the UK. The apprenticeship programme builds its successes year-on-year and continues to develop, matching the needs of the university and our community. We are proud of our strong reputation, supporting each of our apprentices with individualised training, specialised projects, and targeted development to build a future career at the cutting edge of technology.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (variable times to suit workplace requirements). 1 Hour for Lunch.

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Team working,Willing to work at height,Determination


  • Location: Jodrell Bank Observatory Bomish Ln, Macclesfield SK11 9DW
  • Type: Permanent
  • Recruiter: CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST
  • Posted: 16-Jul-2025
  • Posted on: findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk