Project Support Assistant Apprentice

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

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

Contract Type: Fixed-Term, 48 months

Hours: Full-time, 37 hours

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

Closing Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026

Interview Date: May 2026 / June 2026

Start Date: Mid-August 2026

Join us as a Business Administration Apprentice and build the skills that power modern organisations. You will support meetings, teams, and streamline processes across the department.

About an Apprenticeship at STFC

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals ready to develop their skills through formal training and hands on experience. As an apprentice you will gain real world experience, build technical and professional skills, and contribute to cutting edge research and innovation.

You'll be fully supported throughout the programme with regular check ins, structured training, practical experience and mentorship from industry professionals.

Why Join the Project Support Office Team at UK ATC?

The Project Management Group at the UK ATC seeks an exemplary Project Support Assistant to provide extensive administrative support to group leaders, project managers and project staff.

Qualifications Gained

Business Administration SCQF Level 6

MODERN APPRENTICESHIP IN Business Administration at SCQF Level 6

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. Four of these will be chosen and are directly related 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 via remote (MS Teams) and in person observations within the office.

What You'll Be Doing - Day to day Responsibilities

Working with other Project Assistants your responsibilities could include:

• Provide administrative support for project meetings, including preparing agendas, drafting papers, taking minutes, tracking action items and ensuring timely follow up.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels, internally and externally.
• Maintain and develop accurate records and documentation in accordance with internal process standards.
• Provide general administrative support as required to the smooth running of daily operations.
• Coordinate and manage travel arrangements (flights, accommodation, transport) cost effectively.
• Support shipping and receiving for projects, managing paperwork.
• Support office procurement needs by raising purchase orders with the Shared Business Service function.

Entry Requirements

The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S & I).

We are looking for the following:

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

Eligibility for SDS funding: student must be resident in Scotland and work in Scotland; you must not have completed the same or similar apprenticeship within the last 3 years.

Funding is available for age , or 25+.

Important Information

• To complete the apprenticeship, you will need to evidence passes as detailed in the entry requirements above. For applicants sitting their exams in 2026, we would need evidence of your predicted grades at the point of application.
• When applying for an apprenticeship, there is a set residency eligibility criterion that must be met by the applicant. To check your eligibility please click here.
• The training provider will also ask you to complete an initial assessment during the application process. If you already have a qualification in this subject area or similar please include, as an attachment, your transcript outlining the grade/s achieved and modules covered. By applying for this apprenticeship, you are giving permission for your details to be shared with the relevant training provider.

Employee Benefits

• Your salary will increase annually as you progress through your apprenticeship, in line with policy.
• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• Flexible working hours.
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links / free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Cycle to work scheme.

How to Apply

Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability and motivation for this opportunity based on how you meet each essential criterion stated in this advert.

Your CV should include:

• Your National 5 Maths and English grades (or equivalent) - if your qualifications were obtained outside the UK, please attach your UK ENIC certificate of comparability to show the UK equivalent level.
• Any other relevant qualifications.
• Your skills, experience, or achievements that relate to the role.

Your cover letter should:

• Explain why you are interested in this apprenticeship.
• Demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria listed in the advert as well as your motivation for UKRI/STFC and the role.
• Highlight any relevant experience, including part time work, school projects, volunteering, or extracurricular activities.

Applications missing a cover letter, educational results/grades (or equivalent), or UK ENIC documentation (where applicable) may not be reviewed.

Screening

As part of the pre employment checks there is a requirement to undergo Baseline Personnel Security Screening (BPSS). BPSS is a pre condition of employment and failure to achieve it may mean the employment offer is rescinded.

Eligibility to Work in the UK

At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: