Facility Technician Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

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

Contract Type:
Fixed-Term, 48 months

Hours:

Full-time, 37 hours

Location:

Boulby Underground Science Facility, Boulby Mine Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cleveland TS13 4UZ

Closing Date:
Sunday, 2nd February 2026

Interview Date:
Feb 2026 / Mar 2026

Start Date:

September 2026

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. You will also have access to workshops, a peer network, and career development support, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.

At the Boulby Underground Laboratory you’ll be part of a truly unique and inspiring environment, working over a kilometre below ground in the UK’s deep underground science facility. The Facilities team underpins every aspect of Boulby’s operation, maintaining and improving the mechanical, electrical and building systems that keep the lab safe, efficient and ready for science. You’ll support projects that range from maintaining power, air and cooling systems to installing new experimental spaces and helping manage underground safety and infrastructure upgrades.

The work is varied, practical and vital to the success of research in physics, biology, geology and engineering, including studies into Dark Matter, Astrobiology, Planetary Exploration and Environmental research. As a Facilities Technician Apprentice, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across a wide range of systems and equipment, working alongside experienced technicians and engineers in one of the most unusual workplaces in the world.

Level 3 Building services engineering service and maintenance engineer apprenticeship

Building services engineering service and maintenance engineer / Skills England

Training provider:
Hartlepool College of Further Education

Delivery:
Classroom based learning – one day a week

Apprenticeships – Hartlepool College of Further Education

Day‑to‑day responsibilities are:

• Practical Operations – driving forklifts and vehicles underground and on the surface, and working with cranes and lifting equipment.
• Technical Skills – gathering and logging data, maintaining nitrogen systems and learning how to manage compressed gases and cryogenic liquids.
• Problem‑Solving – helping identify and fix faults in air conditioning, water systems, extraction units and more.
• Safety First – supporting health and safety processes by creating risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Variety of Tasks – from emergency lighting and fire system checks to assisting with new plant installations alongside contractors.
• World‑Class Science – playing a key role in installing and supporting world‑leading scientific equipment used for cutting‑edge research.
• Learning Big Machinery – operating MEWPs, scissor lifts and other specialist equipment under supervision.

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a broad skill set in facilities management while working in one of the UK’s most unique scientific environments.

• GCSEs in Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) – required for all roles.
• Basic awareness of health and safety – required for all roles.
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training – required for all roles.
• Interest in Engineering, Facilities Management & Science – required for shortlisted candidates.
• Comfortable with hands‑on tasks, tools and machinery – required for shortlisted candidates.
• Comfortable working underground and in varied conditions – required for shortlisted candidates.
• Logical thinking and troubleshooting under…