Digital Design Apprentice – Level 6 (Degree) Warrington, North West England, England
Job description
Hours: Full time
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 4 years
Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington
At the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) you belong to a community of experts who are driving science and technology forward. STFC is a world-leading multi-disciplinary science organisation where curiosity, blue-skies thinking meets practical, application-led science and engineering. Our goal is to deliver economic, societal, scientific and international benefits to the UK and its people – and more broadly to the world. Our incredible diversity of research, technology and engineering projects truly fire the imagination and lead to real-world solutions which shape societies and transform lives.
We have a rare opportunity to join us as a Digital Design Apprentice at Daresbury Laboratory, Cheshire.
You will be joining the Digital Services team which is part of Digital Infrastructure Department.
Digital Services are experienced professionals using the latest technology to provide the most responsive and reliable multi-media services. Our services include:
- Visual communication / creative design
- Web design and development
- Illustration/Infographics
- Animation
- Film production, editing studio
- Photography / onsite studio
- Exhibition displays
- Large format printing
- Virtual event websites
The Digital Design Apprentice will undertake professional development and training through a mixture of online and in-person teaching with Manchester Metropolitan University completing the Creative Digital Design Professional (Integrated Degree) Level 6 Apprenticeship. There will be 18 days of teaching per year (3 days per unit), plus additional online touchpoints. Travel expenses will be provided when attending in-person teaching at MMU’s ground-breaking School of Digital Arts (SODA).
The modules you will complete will develop in-demand skills in creative digital design.
Year 1
- Creative Digital Design Fundamentals
- Introduction to User Experience
- Graphic Design Fundamentals
- Accessible Design
- Platform Production Fundamentals
- Visual Identity and Branding
Year 2
- Digital Media Platforms 1 – User Interface
- Data Visualisation and Storytelling
- Digital Media Platforms 2 – Audiovisual
- The Communication of Ideas
- Managing and Operating Digital Brands
- Concept and Prototype Development
Year 3
- Workflow, Process and Practice
- Project Design and Delivery
- Digital Design Governance
- Emerging Platforms and Technologies – 3D
- Digital Media Platforms 3 – Immersive
- Technology and Design Emerging Practice
Year 4
- Production Planning and Management
- Design Leadership and Strategy
- Career Development and Portfolio
- Creative Digital Design Synoptic Project: Define and Design
- Creative Digital Design Synoptic Project: Do and Review
In your final year, you will also complete your work-based project before undertaking your End Point Assessment. The End Point Assessment will include a presentation between the university and STFC, covering the work-based project, your approach, outcome and the skills, knowledge and behaviours demonstrated. This will be assessed as part of the overall project assessment.
More information is available via creative_digital_design_brochure.pdf (mmu.ac.uk)
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will achieve:
- BA (Hons) in Creative Digital Design
- Creative Digital Design Professional Level 6 apprenticeship
About an Apprenticeship at STFC
With training and support from experts in their fields, you’ll be enthusiastic about developing your knowledge, skills and behaviours, working towards completing your apprenticeship, gaining appropriate qualifications whilst making a real difference in your role.
If working with innovative technologies on world-leading research isn’t enough, you will develop both professionally and as a critical member of the team in an environment you won’t find anywhere else.
Our dedicated Apprenticeship Team will support you every step of the way, helping you make the most of your opportunities and to achieve the goals you already have – and those you have yet to discover!
We provide an opportunity to really pursue your interests and passion. You’ll have access to additional core skills development, access to a community of apprentices across the site, annual Apprentice awards evenings, a number of active sport and social groups across campus, and potential opportunities for overseas placements.
STFC offers a benefits package crafted to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, an outstanding index linked pension scheme, 10.5 public and privilege days, Christmas closure and flexible working hours.
For a list of our full benefits, please visit here.
About the role and a summary of key duties & responsibilities
With direction and support from the lead digital, graphic designer you will undertake the following:
- meeting clients to discuss the business objectives and requirements of the job
- estimating the time required to complete a job and update clients.
- developing design briefs that suit the client's purpose
- thinking creatively to produce new ideas and concepts and developing interactive design
- using innovation to redefine a design brief within time constraints
- presenting finalised ideas and concepts to clients
- working with a range of media and keeping up to date with emerging technologies
- proofreading to produce accurate and high-quality work
- working as part of a team with printers, copywriters, photographers, other designers, account executives, web developers and marketing specialists.
Person specification (Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and any special requirements)
In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following:
Essential:
- Achieved or predicted to achieve 5 GCSE passes at Grade C/4 or above including Maths, English and a STEM subject by September 2023 (or equivalent qualifications)
- A minimum of 104 points at A2 (grades BCC) or an equivalent, e.g. BTEC DMM
or
- Level 3 Junior Content Producer Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Junior Advertising Apprenticeship
- T-Level qualification (in a relevant occupational pathway preferred, but not essential)
- Adobe CC knowledge
- Strong interest in digital design
- Ability to work using own initiative
- Able to work independently and within a team
- Good communication skills
- Good problem-solving skills
Desirable:
- Web Development skills
- HTML and CSS knowledge
What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe’s largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what’s possible.
About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.
We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.
For more information about STFC please visit https://stfc.ukri.org/
You can also visit our careers site https://www.stfccareers.co.uk/
About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.
Supporting some of the world’s most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.
More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’.
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.
