Computing Degree Apprenticeship

Computing Degree Apprenticeship
Salary:  £16,608 per annum

Contract Type: Fixed Term (4 Years) 

Hours: Full time

Closing Date: 29th May 2022

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (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 friendly, keen individuals to support us with our software and systems. We are recruiting a Computing Apprentice to work in RAL Space at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory near Oxford. This is a static post although you will have the opportunity to meet and work with other departments as you complete formal training and work towards a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions Degree.

We are looking for apprentices for a broad IT support, systems administration role.

While working in the RAL Space department, your tasks will span the gamut of hardware and software, with exposure to both Windows and Apple products. You will gain a greater understanding of computing and cyber-security in a busy enterprise environment, with skills applicable to a wide range of technology roles.

Our friendly team will ensure you the time, space, and support to balance work with your studies, and will look for any opportunities to help in projects your course has set. We will also take an active role in developing your expertise in both technical and customer-facing roles, ensuring your comfort in a variety of professional settings.

Summary of Key Duties & Responsibilities

You will be expected to: 

• Communicate and work with fellow team members daily 
• Communicate in a professional and engaging manner with users, scientists, engineers and management
• 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 to 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
• Partake in the promotion activities for STFC and STEM.

Essential:

You should have: 

• 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 hardware and/or software - your CV and/or cover letter should give example(s) of personal or school projects that involved learning about and using a computer system 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 
• Some knowledge of computer hardware and computer systems
• As a minimum a successful candidate will be able to describe the basic components of a computer system and be aware of the range of computer operating systems
• Ability to examine evidence and data in order to understand it and solve problems
• As a minimum, a successful candidate will be able to work systematically through straightforward problems, examine data, and link it to their understanding of computer systems in order find the cause of problems 
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a team

Desirable:

You may have: 

• A/AS level (or equivalent) in computing or other technical discipline - please give subjects and results in CV
• Some very general knowledge of Windows, Apple and/or Android devices
• Experience in customer-focused roles such as retail, OR examples of how you’ve helped others in educational or personal settings
• A flair for communicating in clear, positive terms; understanding that helping staff of all abilities understand problems and solutions is central to successful customer service.