Apprentice Vacuum Processing Technician

Ben Hool

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Why did you choose to work at STFC?

I chose to work at STFC because the idea of helping with world leading science really appealed to me. I also loved physics in high school and so having the chance to go straight into a working environment where I could utilise some of this knowledge in a practical environment was a massive bonus.

What are your responsibilities?

My responsibilities include cleaning and testing parts that will go onto research systems such as the large hadron collider at CERN, ESS in Sweden and our onsite particle accelerator, CLARA. What is the best thing about being based at the Daresbury Laboratory? It is very near where I live and so is convenient to get to. It also has lots of surrounding towns with people and places that are very familiar to me. It has easy motorway access as well which is very useful.

What makes STFC a great place to work?

The working environment is very relaxed, in so far as people are very easy going and good natured by and large, whichever department you look at. However, it is also health and safety conscious, with all employees and apprentices receiving the needed training for their job role. It also has many great networking opportunities and health schemes. The main thing, however, as I mentioned before, is that you have the knowledge that you are able to contribute to a common goal, no matter what your job role is. It is also a huge extra that we are government funded and so receive an amazing total of 30 days holiday.

What training have you received so far?

I’ve received a variety of training, including overhead crane training, gas cylinder safety training, communication and presentation skills training, public engagement/outreach training, as well as many, many more.

Are you involved with any networks at STFC?

I’m involved with public engagement and have done a few events up to this point during my time here. I attend coffee mornings for our group most Tuesdays. I also attend apprentice association meetings on a monthly basis where actions such as how to address issues with the apprenticeship scheme/ improve current apprenticeship features are raised.

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