Project Support Assistant Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

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

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 15 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

Location: UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Blackford Hill, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ

Closing Date: Sunday, 28th June 2026

Interview Date: Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July

Start Date: 1st September 2026

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.

About the Role

As a Project Support Assistant Apprentice, you will play a key role in supporting the day‑to‑day delivery of a wide range of projects by providing high‑quality administrative and organisational support.

You will be a proactive and organised person, used to managing your time and responsibilities with the upmost professionalism. Our work involves people working collaboratively on our site and across various UK and international institutes. Therefore, good interpersonal skills and clear communication are needed to work effectively while managing conflicting needs in a busy office environment.

Why join the Project Support Office Team at UK ATC?

As we continue to develop our projects portfolio and processes, the Project Management Group at the UK ATC now seeks an exemplary Project Support Assistant to support the department and key stakeholders, by providing extensive administrative support to group leaders, project managers and project staffs where required.

The project support office provides support to BOTH the operation of UK ATC and the portfolio of exciting astronomy instrumentation projects.

Working flexibly within a small team you will gain hand-on experience of the practicalities of business administration in a busy, dynamic project office.

What you’ll learn

Business Administration candidates have a broad range of activities with significant complexity, responsibility and autonomy. Mandatory units will cover:

• Undertaking allocated work: Managing tasks efficiently and responsibly.
• Communicating in a business environment: Professional written and verbal communication.
• Managing own performance: Time management, goal setting, and self-evaluation

There are a wide range of optional units available to enhance this apprenticeship further, 4 of these will be chosen and are in direct relation to the work we do here at UKATC. Examples include:

• Producing business documents
• Organising meetings and events
• Using IT systems and software
• Delivering customer service
• Maintaining records and information systems
• Supporting financial functions

Training provider

Education Provider: Rewards Training Scotland

Learning Delivery: Delivery is fully based within the work environment, consisting of 2-3 weekly meetings with the assessor which is a mixture of remote (MS Teams) meetings and in-person observations within the office.

We are looking for the following

• Mathematics and English at National 5.
• Computer literate.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proactive, organised with good attention to detail.
• Able to work well under pressure when there are tight deadlines.
• An awareness of basic health and safety
• Enthusiastic and motivated to learn, both in the workplace and through formal training.

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.

Note: Funding is available for age 16-19, 20-24 or 25+

Other relevant information

When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criteria that must be met. Check your eligibility https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apprenticeship-funding-rules-2025-to-2026

How to Apply

For full details/important information and to apply, click ' Apply' within this LinkedIn Ad which will direct you to our external Careers Page. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based on how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert.