Public Engagement Business Administrator Apprentice

Job Description

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)

Contract Type:
Fixed-Term, 24 months

Hours:

Full-time, 37 hours

Location:

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Campus, Didcot, OX11 0QX

Closing Date:
Sunday, 2nd February 2026

Interview Date:
Feb 2026 / Mar 2026

Start Date:

September 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic person to join our friendly Public Engagement Team of six people based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxfordshire. The National Laboratories Public Engagement Group, composed of 15 team members across three sites, supports STFC to inspire and excite the public about our science and technology through events and activities. A key part of this is involving STFC staff in these events to give insight into their work.

We are looking for someone to support us in coordinating early career staff involvement with public engagement events.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands‑on experience. As an apprentice, you’ll gain real‑world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting‑edge research and innovation in a dynamic, supportive environment. You’ll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check‑ins from a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator, structured training, practical experience, and mentorship from industry professionals.

Plus, you’ll have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support.

The National Labs Public Engagement Group helps people across the UK discover and connect with science and technology in meaningful ways. We create exciting opportunities—from hands‑on events and school visits to national campaigns and partnerships—that showcase the incredible research happening  work focuses on making science accessible to all, especially young people and communities who may not have many opportunities to get involved.

Whether it’s supporting our staff to build confidence in public engagement or working with local groups to create inspiring activities together, we’re passionate about making STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) relevant, inclusive and fun.

• Building and maintaining relationships with early career staff through regular communication in a business environment
• Shared responsibility for public inboxes – including replying in a timely manner, answering queries, maintaining accurate and easily accessible records
• Coordinating and organising training sessions for early career staff
• Coordinating volunteering opportunities for early career staff, liaising directly with schools, universities or colleges, arranging transport and/or delivery of materials
• Maintaining accurate and accessible records of early career staff volunteering and training
• Supporting the Public Engagement Team and Skills Centre Team with delivery of on‑site events and off‑site career fairs
• Maintaining and updating an internal website, including producing content such as news articles

• Essential
• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above)
• Basic health and safety awareness
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, with a variety of people
• Attention to detail/accuracy
• Experience of being part of a team or group
• Ability to organise tasks effectively whilst meeting deadlines
• Desirable
• Interest in and enthusiasm for STFC science
• Experience building positive relationships with people in different roles and personalities

• Evidence of passing Maths and English at GCSE level (or equivalent) is required, with predicted grades accepted for those sitting exams in Summer 2026.
• Residency eligibility criteria must be met. Check eligibility here.
• The training provider may ask for an initial assessment during the application process. Include transcripts if you already hold a qualification in the relevant subject area.
• Data sharing…