Sam Embling - Final Year Mechatronics Apprentice going into Beamline Technician role

I chose to go down the apprenticeship path as it allowed me to get hands-on experience which isn’t available at university, whilst also getting paid. As well as getting important experience on the job, there is also an opportunity to pursue higher education, funded by the company. This means that I could achieve the same level of qualification as if I went to university despite going down the apprenticeship route. 

A good apprentice must have a keen interest in engineering and STEM subjects. The apprentice should also have good problem-solving skills and an ability to think outside the box. Other skills and behaviours to possess include being punctual, dexterous and having an eye for detail.  

As a Mechatronics apprentice at Diamond, I enjoy the variety of work that is available daily. Throughout the many placements in the 4-year apprenticeship, there is the opportunity to work on important projects that have real world impact. One day you could be CNC machining a part used for research into cancer cells, whilst the next you may be assisting scientists in setting up an experiment to analyze lunar rocks. The work which you complete can be very fulfilling and give you a sense of pride in what you have helped achieve. 

To get someone excited about what I do, I would show them some of the types of experiments that go on at Diamond which can be somehow related back to their lives to help understand the impact of the research. I would also show them the synchrotron machine itself which can be quite inspiring due to its complexity and scale.  

Diamond Light Source is a one-of-a-kind leading research facility in the UK with some of the best technical staff in the country. The research carried out at Diamond can have a large impact on many people’s lives. Working at the forefront of the sector, aspects of brand new technologies and developments are researched here, gives an insight into what the world will look like in the future. Additionally, the staff at Diamond are always very friendly and willing to help in any way, making the apprenticeship a very enjoyable experience.