The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) have a long track record of recruiting and developing high quality apprentices who become the skilled professionals needed to deliver their programmes. Having a pipeline of future talent is key to their continued growth and to support its expanding science portfolio.
STFC employs 2,400 people across all its sites and are a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation, whose goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world.
Noting how apprentices have a huge impact on contributing to their goals, they welcomed Senior Mechanical Technician Rhys Foster’s enquiries with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) about the Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship programme. Rhys had already completed an initial apprenticeship with STFC, joining its Technology Group as a Mechanical Engineering apprentice in 2013. After initial discussions with UCLan’s business development team and the course leader, it was agreed that the programme offered had both the entry flexibilities and outcomes they needed.
STFC Apprenticeship Scheme Coordinator Jonathan Aghanian welcomed the view that Degree Apprenticeships offer the perfect blend of theory and training relevant to their area of work, combined with the opportunity to put that knowledge into workplace practice:
“Apprentices have a huge impact on our ability to do what we do and contribute to our goals. They offer a structured and viable route for many people by providing direct access to our complex science portfolio alongside professional, industry-recognised training and learning that develops their ‘whole-self’ including the expected behaviours and personal traits needed to succeed in their area of work.”
Rhys, who is part way through his Degree Apprenticeship remarked the value they can bring adding: “An apprenticeship is a great way to gain both qualifications and work experience and progress in an otherwise difficult recruitment environment.”
"I enjoy the challenging technical aspects of studying at UCLan, and the clear personal progression in many areas of my work and knowledge which extend beyond the direct contents of studied modules."
— Rhys Foster
By offering Degree Apprenticeships, UCLan have provided a valuable service to STFC as well as the opportunity for their employees to continue their professional and personal development as they progress within the organisation.
