More apprentices than ever are working at Liverpool City Region’s world-leading science research centre, Daresbury Laboratory.
The high-tech facility, part of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and located at Sci-Tech Daresbury, now has almost 60 apprentices, a dramatic rise over the last decade when there were only a few apprentices on site.
Recruitment for the next wave of new STFC Daresbury Engineering Apprenticeships is open for applications until 11th April.
This next generation of scientists and innovators are working across a range of specialist mechanical and engineering roles, for example:
John Byrne – an electrical technician who completed a part-time degree course after his apprenticeship
Luke Bladen – a senior mechanical technician who now manages an apprentice
Some of the original apprentices from the 1980s onwards are now involved in recruiting and training the growing cohort of new apprentices, such as Rachael Buckley, who is now an Institute of Physics Honorary Fellow.
STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory links businesses to a range of unique, world-leading research facilities and expertise. Sci-Tech Daresbury has a target to create 10,000 jobs by 2030, and to support the development of skills to fill them.
STFC is part of UK Research and Innovation, the largest public funder of research and innovation in the UK.
In recognition of the crucial role the Laboratory plays in the North West and Liverpool City Region’s economy, UKRI Chief Executive Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser visited the site today and met with key partners, including some of the apprentices at Daresbury who are working with advanced technologies and equipment on some of the most exciting, real-world research projects.
Professor Leyser said: “The range of skills and talents needed to drive the UK’s world-class innovation system is huge and often under-recognised. People and their ideas are our opportunity, and investing in talented people will unleash the region’s full potential.
“Daresbury Laboratory is exemplary in its commitment to putting apprenticeship training at the heart of what it does.
“This is why UKRI has put empowering people and places as key objectives in its new Strategy launched today. We want to see the success of Daresbury replicated across the country to foster a thriving research and innovation system where everyone can contribute and benefit.”
Paul Vernon, Head of STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, said: “Here at STFC’s Daresbury Laboratory, our apprentices are a huge asset to us, adding real value to the work we do. Not only do they contribute to real-world research while they are learning, but they also get vital hands-on experience with some of the most advanced technologies and equipment available today.
“In the process, they are helping to ensure that the UK has the skills it needs to stay at the cutting edge of research and innovation for decades to come.
“Supporting our apprentices in their personal and professional development is extremely important, and we have a dedicated team to ensure that his happens. This support has never been more important than in the last couple of years, particularly for those who found themselves in their first jobs and in completely new ways of working, thanks to the pandemic. However, their resilience has been outstanding.
“It takes time and commitment to develop a successful apprenticeship scheme, but the results and benefits are absolutely worth it. I couldn’t be more proud of our apprentices here at Daresbury, and look forward to supporting many more as our apprenticeship scheme continues to grow and thrive.”
