Electronics Engineering Apprentice

Why did you choose to work at STFC?

I completed two weeks of work experience within the Diagnostics Group, which inspired me to pursue a career in Electronics Engineering at STFC. Within this placement I built a cable testing unit, which is used to test the electrical integrity of cables before they are used in an operational application.

What are your responsibilities?

I am on the electronics engineering pathway of the advanced engineering apprenticeship at STFC. I have worked across a variety of placements, which has allowed me to build up my technical skills. My role involves completing different aspects of project work e.g. circuit design, PCB design, PCB fabrication, wiring, testing, fault finding and even mechanical design and fabrication.

I am also co-chair of the Apprentice Forum, which involves monthly meetings with the apprentices to deliver updates and receive feedback e.g. college concerns. Through my role as co-chair, I organised mentoring sessions where I provide information and support for the apprentices e.g. NVQ write ups and using Smart Assessor.

Upon completion of my apprenticeship (September 2023), I will start my permanent position as an Electronics Engineer in the Project Development Section within the Electrical & Electronics User Support Group.

What is the best thing about being based at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory?

On site, I work in the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source. This is a world-leading facility which supports a national and international community of over 3000 scientists. This means that there is the opportunity to develop bespoke equipment to facilitate a vast range of research. This huge variety of work leads to the development of a practically unlimited range of technical skills.

What makes STFC a great place to work?

STFC has facilities and partnerships on an international scale, meaning there is an international community. As part of this there are chances to travel around the world for work, e.g. I was selected to visit CERN on the French-Swiss border. This visit to CERN provided an insight into the CERN facility e.g. the Synchrocyclotron, ISOLDE, Magnet Assembly, Control Centre, LHCb and AntiMatter Factory.

What training have you received so far?

Throughout my apprenticeship I have been taught a lot of technical skills such as soldering, wiring, cryogenic wiring techniques, testing, fault finding, schematic design and PCB design. Alongside my apprenticeship, I have studied HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering with the intention to pursue further education upon completion.

There is ample opportunity for continuous professional development. For example, I am completing the Herschel Programme for Women in Technical Leadership. It is a six-month programme (January to June 2023) which aims to address the lack of women in technical leadership positions. The programme is specifically designed towards building skills that are vital for technical leadership. It involves several modules and action learning sets to facilitate building the skills.

Are you involved with any networks at STFC?

Me and my co-chair of the Apprentice Forum are working to create a better Apprentice network – involving all of the different types of apprentice on-site.

I joined the WiSTEM network, which is for women in STEM.