Composites Technician Apprentice

About this opportunity

Interested in the technical challenges of big science? Working within the Department of Physics at the University of Liverpool, you will undertake a 3 year composites technician apprenticeship (performing engineering operations).

At the Department of Physics our staff study the basic laws of physics which control the way our universe works. They design and develop experimental apparatus to make better measurements of the collisions between sub-atomic particles to verify theoretical predictions and make new discoveries.

The technical staff develop new detectors which allow physicists to make these measurements. These detectors are complex assemblies of electronics, cables and mechanical support structures which rely on using hi-tech materials and developing the techniques to use them. You will learn about working in a composites laboratory and the safety protocols which need to be followed in handling materials and equipment.

You will receive training on various techniques used to manufacture a variety of composite parts from the raw materials and to evaluate their performance. You will learn how to plan work effectively, keep records and how to develop the manufacturing processes to ensure components are ‘right first time’.

You will be working within the advanced materials laboratory in close collaboration with experienced members of staff and will be expected to contribute towards the assembly of composite structures for various development projects.

Daily duties include:
• Using machine tools in the department’s mechanical workshop
• Cutting materials from stock using manual (scissors, knives, etc) and CNC equipment and lay them up onto the mould tooling
• Making custom vacuum bags, inserting the part into them and loading it into the autoclave to cure.
• Finishing the part using hand tools and/or standard workshop machinery as appropriate
• Assembling the carbon fibre components together to build the final structures

Some projects will start their construction phases towards the end of your apprenticeship and you will be well placed to apply for a project-specific fixed-term (typically 3 years) technician post. Alternatively, the skills you will develop will be transferable to the manufacture of composite components in industry and you will be well placed to further your career in this area.

What you should have to apply

Minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade C and above in English, maths and a physical science or technology-based subject

Personal Qualities

Dependable and reliable
Good interpersonal skills
The ability to work as part of a team
Be able to prioritise tasks and work to deadlines
Very good attention to detail and high level of accuracy
Ability to interact with individuals at all levels in the university
Able to demonstrate a mature approach to learning.

Skills

The work will involve the manual assembly of composite structures with the aid of rulers, knives, scissors, etc. and therefore good manual dexterity is required. The various machines which perform 3D printing, ply cutting and curing operations have to be programmed by teaching the computer systems what to do and therefore a familiarity with computer systems is required. The work will involve some mental arithmetic and/or use of a calculator, weighing scales, data input, etc..