The University of York has received a share of £100k from the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy to employ a new Physics Technical Apprentice.

£20k has been awarded to the School of Physics, Engineering and Technology to recruit a new technical apprenticeship role, building a new pipeline of technical talent.

45% of technicians involved in physics research and teaching within UK universities are aged 51 or over*, a significant challenge for the future of technical skills in this sector.

This project, which is supported by the Institute of Physics and Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), tackles this aging workforce gap through targeted investment in the technical workforce.

Kieran Gibson, Head of School said: "I am delighted at this opportunity to educate a future Physics technician through hands-on training and real-world experience in our research and teaching labs. The training of technicians via apprenticeships is a key aspect of the University of York's Technician Commitment, offering a practical route to acquiring valuable skills and paving the way for a successful career."

The University of York is one of five UK higher education institutes which has successfully applied for £20k

Kelly Vere, Director of the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy and University Director of Technical Strategy for the University of Nottingham said: “We are excited to invest a total of £100k this year to accelerate the number of technical apprentices being recruited into Physics Technical Apprentice positions.

“Five new technical apprentice jobs will be created as a result, helping to bridge the skills gap within this discipline and create a more sustainable technical workforce and kick-start a new pipeline of technicians stepping into roles which are critical to world-class research and innovation.

“A second funding call will open in early 2025 when we intend to fund a further five apprenticeships within physics from a share of £100k.”

Louis Barson, Director of Science, Innovation and Skills, from the Institute of Physics (IOP) also commented. He said: “We are proud to support the UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy to deliver this new national pilot. We are excited that this pilot is developing new ways to develop future careers for new Physics Technical Apprentices nationally and that the first funding round was a success.”

Dr Luke Davis, Joint Head of Research Infrastructure at ESPRC said: “A diverse technical workforce is key to the success of the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem, this pilot initiative within the field of physics will be an ideal test bed to launch similar schemes in the future, if successful.”

This is a two-year programme. The second funding round opens in early 2025.

For more information about the scheme visit: https://itss.org.uk/support-for-organisations/investment-in-technical-talent/