Skip to main content

This job has expired

Computing Apprentice

Employer
UK SBS
Location
Didcot, Oxfordshire
Salary
£15,769 per annum (rising incrementally to £21,091 per annum in the fourth year)
Closing date
25 Aug 2019

View more

Specialism
IT
Sector
Technology
Role Type
Apprenticeship, Degree
Start Date
October
Duration
24 months+

Opportunities & Responsibilities

We are looking for apprentices interested in software development and/or computer systems administration. Please state your preference in your covering letter.

If you are placed in a systems administration role, you will undertake activities on rotations that will develop your expertise in Linux servers, storage & virtualisation, containerisation, cloud computing, data management, network design, cyber security, DevOps, software-defined networking, and the internet of things (IoT).

If you are placed in a software development role, you will undertake activities on rotations that will develop your expertise in object oriented programming, data modelling, SQL, systems development, agile, systems analysis and design, web and mobile application development, big data and analytics, user experience design, cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and the internet of things (IoT).

In both roles, you will work closely with scientists and engineers so you should have good interpersonal skills and be committed to delivering an excellent customer service.

Our Organisation 

STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation, and our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world. We have large-scale scientific facilities in the UK and Europe used by thousands of scientists performing thousands of experiments every year. The facilities provide a range of research techniques to help scientists better understand our world and the universe! 

Computing is essential to the science that STFC supports. We need keen individuals to support us in the development of new software and systems. We are recruiting Computing apprentices to work at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford. You will be based in a group with computing professionals in one of STFC departments. During the apprenticeship scheme, you will rotate between several departments gaining a range of experience. These placements will complement formal training and are developed to support you as you work towards a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Degree.

Opportunities & Responsibilities

We are looking for apprentices interested in software development and/or computer systems administration. Please state your preference in your covering letter.

If you are placed in a systems administration role, you will undertake activities on rotations that will develop your expertise in Linux servers, storage & virtualisation, containerisation, cloud computing, data management, network design, cyber security, DevOps, software-defined networking, and the internet of things (IoT).

If you are placed in a software development role, you will undertake activities on rotations that will develop your expertise in object oriented programming, data modelling, SQL, systems development, agile, systems analysis and design, web and mobile application development, big data and analytics, user experience design, cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and the internet of things (IoT).

In both roles, you will work closely with scientists and engineers so you should have good interpersonal skills and be committed to delivering an excellent customer service.
 
You will be expected to:

  • communicate and work with fellow team members on a daily basis
  • communicate with users, scientists, engineers and management to understand their requirements and translate these into a specification
  • take an active role in both technical and non-technical meetings
  • show initiative especially regarding learning new things 
  • work independently at times and ask questions if unsure
  • take responsibility for ensuring your work does what is needed and meets the quality criteria specified
  • write documentation for technical and non-technical users
  • analyse evidence and data in order to solve problems
  • help deploy solutions to production and help provide support after release
  • use a variety of tools and technologies used by the teams to develop and manage software and computer systems
  • present a topic to a small group of people and answer questions
  • participate in the wider department and STFC apprentice training programme. 

We will support you to undertake paid degree-level training. In addition to this and “on the job” training, you will have opportunity to subscribe to professional online tutorial sites, attend technical courses, undertake various soft skills training, and take part in our organisation-wide apprentice networking and training events where you will meet and get to know other apprentices such as our electronics, mechanical and electrical engineering apprentices. We will assign you a mentor for the duration of the scheme.

About You

As a starting point we expect you to:

  • enjoy making things, want to help people solve problems, and have an enthusiasm for a career in IT! 
  • have gained or be on track to gain at least a minimum of two A levels at grade A or above OR three A levels at grade C or above OR a BTEC Level 3 in Computing (or similar subject) or equivalent
  • have good communication skills both verbal and written
  • have strong organisational skills
  • have some knowledge of computers and programming. 

Shortlisting and Interview Criteria

Shortlisting

Essential:

  • a minimum of two A levels at grade A or above OR three A levels at grade C or above OR a BTEC Level 3 in Computing (or similar subject) or equivalent - please give subjects and results in CV 
  • good written communication skills as demonstrated in your CV and cover letter 
  • some knowledge of and enthusiasm for computer programming and/or hardware - your CV and/or cover letter should give example(s) of personal or school projects that involved learning about and using a programming language and/or hardware and what you enjoyed 
  • desire to develop personally and professionally - your cover letter should explain why you have applied for this computing apprenticeship scheme and any activities you are involved in to help you develop personally and professionally
  • right to live and work in the UK.

Interview Criteria

Essential

  • some experience of computer programming
  • will have written a simple programs, web page or app in any programming language
  • some knowledge of computer hardware and computer systems 
  • as a minimum you will be able to describe the basic components of a computer system and be aware of the range of computer operating systems (it is expected you may be stronger in one area than the other)
  • ability to examine evidence and data in order to understand it and solve problems 
  • you will be able to work systematically through straightforward problems, study or examine numerical data in detail, in order to discover more about it and link it to your understanding of computer systems in order to gather evidence and find the cause of problems
  • ability to work independently and manage small projects
  • You will be able to demonstrate that you are able to plan and manage your own work, that you are conscientious and have the ability to pay attention to detail. 

Special Requirements

Essential

  • be able to attend off-site training as required including overnight stays. 

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalised job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert