Job Description
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: UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ
Closing Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026
Interview Date: May 2026 / June 2026
Start Date: Mid-August 2026
Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, technicians and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.
As a science-driven, professional engineering organisation, we employ state-of-the-art technologies across all our products, including complex optical and infra‑red detectors, vacuum‑cryogenics, control electronics and software, for both astronomy and non‑astronomy applications; and we manage collaborations with academic and industrial partners around the world.
Ready to take the first step into the world of business? Join us as a Business Administration Apprentice and build the skills that power modern organisations. Whether it’s organising meetings, supporting teams, or streamlining processes, you’ll be at the heart of how things get done.
This is a brilliant opportunity to learn on the job while gaining a recognised qualification, all within a supportive team that values growth, initiative, and fresh thinking. If you’re organised, eager to learn, and up for a challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
About an Apprenticeship at STFC
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, helping you feel confident and prepared for new challenges.
What You’ll Be Doing
Day‑to‑day responsibilities
- Provide administrative support for a variety of project meetings, including management meetings. This involves preparing agendas, drafting papers, taking minutes, tracking action items and ensuring timely follow‑up with action owners. There will also be an element of financial reporting where applicable.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels, both internally and externally, e.g. all UKATC departments, the Public Engagement Team, onsite visitor centre and international stakeholders.
- Maintain and develop accurate records and documentation in accordance with internal processes standards. This will also involve running reports for the in‑house management systems.
- Provide general administrative support as required, contributing to the smooth running of daily operations.
- Coordinate and manage travel arrangements (flights, accommodation, transport), ensuring cost‑effective and safe options are selected in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
- Support shipping and receiving for projects, handling relevant paperwork.
- Support office procurement needs by raising purchase orders in conjunction with our Shared Business Service function.
Entry Requirements
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I).
- Mathematics at National 5 (S)
- English at National 5 (S)
- Proactive, organised with good attention to detail. (S)
- Able to work well under pressure when there are tight deadlines (I)
- An awareness of basic health and safety (I)
- Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training (I)
- Eligibility for SDS funding (student must be resident in Scotland and work in Scotland) – and you must not have completed the same or similar apprenticeship within the last 3 years.
Benefits
- Funding is available for age 16‑19, 20‑24 or 25+
- To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes as detailed in the entry requirements above. For applicants sitting their exams in 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades at the point of application.
- When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
- The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.
- Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
- 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
- An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
- Easily accessible public transport links / free parking.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
- Cycle to work scheme.
As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK.
You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y
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