About the job

Job summary

• Are you looking for a rewarding career in Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME) within defence science and technology?
• Do you want to be a member of a diverse community of scientists and engineers?
• Are you looking for the opportunity to earn a wage and gain hands on experience whilst studying towards an industry recognised degree?

If so then an Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives degree apprenticeship is for you. Join us at Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and help us push the boundaries of technology advancements and new concepts. You will share our core values of collaboration, innovation and impact to consistently challenge the norms, embrace diversity and reward creativity.

Your apprenticeship will see you gain exposure to innovative technologies and build an in-depth understanding of how Scientists and Engineers shape the future of national defence and security.

Interested? See what Charlotte, our current apprentice, has to say - https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=itXnE95_Q9Q

If you are collaborative, innovative and wish to make real world impact, we are excited to hear from you.

You may be finishing sixth form, college, leaving the armed forces looking for a career change or maybe being fulltime at university isn’t for you. No matter what your current situation is, you can launch your career with an OME Degree Apprenticeship starting in September 2024.

Find the full job profile attached on CS Jobs to find out more!

Job description

• Join a cohort of likeminded apprentices in Counter-Terrorism & Security (CTS), contributing to projects that make a real difference.
• Develop and learn new skills whilst working alongside friendly experts within CTS.
• Embrace the opportunity for new experiences as you work in different teams, within CTS, wider Dstl and industry partners in placements designed to support your studies.
• Work with friendly Subject Matter Experts to deliver scientific, analytical and engineering solutions safely.
• Network with academic, industry and governmental partners across the world to contribute towards research.
• Study and develop your knowledge with our training provider, the University of Wales Trinity St David, where you will attend set study periods throughout each year of your apprenticeship.
• You will use safe working standards ensuring that you and your colleagues continually develop best practice and safe systems of work, no matter how big or small. You will, follow safety guidelines, respecting and contributing to a strong Dstl safety culture.

Person specification

• A genuine interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects, especially in the field of OME.
• Enthusiasm about undertaking practical tasks including working outside in all weathers, as well as laboratory environments (we will provide appropriate personal protective equipment).

You will possess these essential skills:

• A drive for problem solving and out of the box thinking.
• A basic knowledge of engineering and scientific principles and the motivation to increase this with proactive learning and self-development.
• Effective communication both verbal and written.
• Good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• The confidence working to processes and procedures whilst suggesting improvements for safety and efficiency.

Important Information

Our work in defence, security and intelligence requires our employees to be UK Nationals who are able to gain a high level of security clearance to undertake the projects we are involved in to protect us from security threats. For this reason, only UK Nationals will be able to apply for this role. If you are an international or dual-national candidate, and you think you have the skills we need, please consider applying to any of our government, security or defence partners.

This role will require full UK security clearance and you should have resided in the UK for the past 5 years. You must be 18 years old to undertake this apprenticeship.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £24,511, Defence Science and Technology Laboratory contributes £6,617 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

We want you to have your best chance of success in our recruitment process, so If at any stage of the application process you would like help or assistance please contact the Dstl Recruitment Team dstlrecruitment@dstl.gov.uk and we will do all we can to support you.

Applications will be reviewed the week commencing 18th February 2024 and interview will take place between 11th and 22nd March 2024.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK nationals only.

This job is not open to candidates who hold a dual nationality.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.