Project Support Assistant Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Salary: £19,514 per annum (rising annually throughout the apprenticeship)
Contract Type:
Fixed-Term, 18 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

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.

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.

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.

Business Administration SCQF Level 6

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, four of these will be chosen and are in direct relation to the work we do here mples include:

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

Day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Providing 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…