Meet the team - the ISIS Electrical and Electronic User Support Group

The group’s work underpins three main areas of work at ISIS: the running of experiments during a user cycle, the engineering work during the shutdowns and the ongoing delivery of small and major projects. This means they are busy whether the beam is on or off!

The team is made up almost entirely of ex-apprentices, so for National Apprenticeship Week, we spoke to a few of them about their work and any tips they have for aspiring apprentices.

Jamie Nutter was introduced to engineering and the RAL Apprenticeship scheme by his father. "He has always been a big influence on my professional career and is the reason I became an engineer. I still take every opportunity to chew over technical topics with him. I firmly believe that the apprenticeship programme laid the foundation for my growth and success within the team.”

He was appointed as group leader in 2024; “I am immensely proud of this achievement and of leading the group that I have been working in since my apprenticeship.” He adds: “This role brings new challenges and opportunities as I lead a great team of skilled technical professionals to develop and support increasingly complex experiments and equipment.”

The EEUSG team is responsible for a diverse set of tasks ranging from periodic testing and maintenance of safety systems to the design and development of new equipment to facilitate future, more complex experiments.

"Our support facilitates the ISIS scientific community to accomplish truly ground-breaking experimentation. I am proud that these experiments will allow advancements across multiple branches of science," adds Jamie.

Tara Allinson joined the team recently, after finishing her apprenticeship and winning STFC’s Apprentice of the Year award in the process. “My role in the Project Development Section involves designing and building new equipment to facilitate new science, therefore expanding the capabilities of the ISIS facility.”

Tara did a work experience placement at ISIS, where she built a cable testing unit, which is still in use today - seven years later! “Following my work experience, I decided to take the apprenticeship route as I was drawn to the vocational, rather than purely academic route. This is because I thought onsite placements would be really beneficial for learning new skills and gaining confidence in the workplace.”

Tara’s role involves working with several different groups across ISIS, giving her a huge variety of work; “the mix allows me to develop my project management and design skills, as well as my technical skills. I would highly recommend an apprenticeship as it’s a great introduction into the workplace and provides opportunities to work with a variety of teams. This approach also allows you to find out more about the possible career opportunities within a company.”

For?Maksim Schastny, an electronics technician, completing an apprenticeship was equally as rewarding and turned out to be the best decision he ever made. "I am in the part of the team that looks after electronic equipment used in scientific experiments, providing on-call support to scientists during experimental cycles and maintaining, repairing and installing various electronic equipment", describes Maksim S. ? "I’d say the diversity and the ability to help people makes my job so fulfilling. We make scientific experiments possible and that helps to create a better future for the planet."

Max Williams , the Instrument & User Support Section Leader, agrees; “The best thing about my job is the incredible variety of work I get to engage in. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, ensuring that no two days are ever the same. Additionally, it's incredibly rewarding to know that my work has a direct impact on the science performed at ISIS, which can lead to innovations that improve everyday life, from healthcare to technology.”

Max’s biggest inspiration for pursuing a career in STEM was his grandad, an ex-Harwell apprentice. “He has always been able to fix and make everything, which fascinated me from a young age. Watching him solve problems and create solutions with such skill and ingenuity sparked my curiosity and passion for science and technology.”

Tristan Canfer became fascinated with machines that could perform processes on their own, and wanted to build them myself, all from watching ‘How It's Made’ after school. “I knew I wanted to be an engineer and looked into apprenticeships.” Tristan joined the ISIS beam diagnostics team as a technician after his apprenticeship and has since moved into the EEUSG as an electronics engineer. ?

“The best thing about my job is the variety,” Tristan explains. “Working in research means lots of custom equipment and a constant stream of new challenges, so it never gets dull. Science at ISIS has impact from the products in your home to cutting-edge tech and exploration of the universe. My job is to help build the equipment that makes the science possible.”

The team’s Top Tips for aspiring apprentices

“You don't need a PhD or encyclopaedic knowledge of your subject to contribute to world-class research,” says Tristan. “Most of us arrive with basic qualifications and a desire to learn. Proactivity, enthusiasm and the ability to take feedback on board will do the rest.”

He adds; “You probably have more transferable skills for engineering than you realise - make sure they all get into your CV. You might have detailed assembly skills from crafting, people skills from a retail or service industry job, or problem-solving from tinkering at home.”

Tara encourages applicants to ensure that they discuss an interest in engineering during the application and interview process: “if you are asked a question and you are unsure of the answer, try to answer as best you can,” she says. “I would also recommend looking at the different disciplines to find which one interests you most.”

Maksim suggests getting involved in engineering activities and clubs at school/college which helps enhance your skills and personal development whilst being really good fun.

Max encourages people to be proactive, embrace feedback and never be afraid to ask questions. “Being proactive shows your commitment and can set you apart from others,” he explains. “Listen carefully to feedback and use it to improve your skills and performance. Asking questions is a great way to learn and shows your eagerness to understand and improve.”

Jamie advises apprentices to surround themselves with great people and soak up as much knowledge as they can. “Don’t ever feel afraid to ask for help.” He explains; "The basis of a great engineer is the desire to increase their understanding. You need to know the basics before you can excel!"

"If you still do not know what you want to do as a career, that’s fine too", Jamie points out. "The main thing is that you embrace opportunities when they arise."

You can find out more about STFC Apprenticeships, and apply before 16/23 Feb (depending on role) on their website: https://stfccareers.co.uk/apprenticeships/.