Geotechnical Apprentice

About You

Want to help solve real-world environmental and engineering challenges while studying for a fully funded degree?

Interested in understanding how the ground beneath our feet influences the places we live, work and build?

Curious about geology, mining, engineering, mapping, data or the environment?

Ready to earn a salary, gain valuable experience and achieve a degree without student debt?

If so, we'd love to hear from you.

We’re looking for a motivated and curious individual to join our Innovation and By-Product Services team as a Geotechnical Degree Apprentice
.

This is a unique opportunity to combine university study with hands‑on experience, developing specialist skills in geology, mapping, data analysis and ground engineering while helping to manage the UK's mining legacy and support safe, sustainable development.

Through a fully funded Level 6 Geoscientist Degree Apprenticeship with Keele University
, you'll earn while you learn, gain practical experience from day one, and build a career in a sector that makes a real difference to communities and the environment.

You don't need previous geotechnical experience. We’re looking for someone who:

• Is curious about how the natural and built environment interact.
• Enjoys solving problems and analysing information.
• Has an interest in science, geography, geology, engineering, environmental studies or related subjects.
• Can communicate clearly and work well with others.
• Is motivated to learn and develop new skills.
• Enjoys asking questions and exploring how things work.

• A fully funded university degree with no tuition fees.
• Practical experience working on real projects from day one.
• Support and mentoring from experienced technical professionals.
• Skills in GIS, mapping, data analysis and technical reporting.
• Experience working with developers, planners, infrastructure providers and local communities.
• A recognised professional pathway into the geoscience, engineering and environmental sectors.
• A salary and employee benefits while you study.

• Flexibility that fits your life – hybrid working and flexibility in how you manage your time.
• Financial security for your future – including a pension with up to 29% employer contribution.
• Time to recharge – 27.5 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with options to flex more days.
• Support through life’s big moments – generous family leave and flexibility when you need it most.
• Opportunities to grow – funded learning, development and professional subscriptions.
• Wellbeing support you can use every day – including a monthly wellbeing allowance, confidential support and practical health benefits.

Typically BBB at A Level (or equivalent). Relevant subjects include Geography, Geology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology or Mathematics. Equivalent Level 3 qualifications may also be considered.

As a Geotechnical Degree Apprentice, you’ll support the delivery of technical and commercial services that help developers, planners, infrastructure providers and communities understand and manage mining legacy and ground‑related risks.

Working alongside experienced specialists, you’ll develop practical skills while contributing to meaningful projects that support safe and sustainable development.

• Reviewing geological maps, borehole records, mining plans and historical information.
• Supporting the preparation of Coal Mining Risk Assessments and technical reports.
• Interpreting geological, geotechnical and mining datasets.
• Developing skills in GIS, mapping and spatial data analysis.
• Assisting with the creation of conceptual ground models.
• Supporting investigations into mining legacy, mine entries, coal mining subsidence and other development constraints.
• Contributing to service improvement and innovation projects.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders on a wide range of technical projects.
• Supporting the development of new products and services.
• Building professional skills in technical writing, communication and project delivery.

Successful candidates must pass basic security checks and will be subject to UK Immigration requirements.

Hybrid working (on average 2 days working out of our Mansfield office).

We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, and we welcome applications from everyone. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants and those from minority ethnic backgrounds who meet the minimum criteria. If you need any adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please contact us at Recruitm or call