£100k funding boost for Physics Technical Apprentices

A national project to close the technical skills gap within physics has launched a second funding call to accelerate investment in new technical talent.

The Research England-funded UK Institute for Technical Skills and Strategy (ITSS) has partnered with the Institute of Physics (IOP) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to help tackle the ageing technical workforce within the discipline of physics through funding for apprentice salaries.

Higher Education Statistics Agency data shows 45% of technicians supporting physics research and teaching activities within UK universities are aged 51 or over, risking a lack of future technical skills needed to meet the growing demands of the sector.

Now a share of £100,000 is available for UK higher education institutions to employ a new Physics Technical Apprentice within their organisation.

In 2024, five universities were each awarded a grant of £20,000 in the first funding call to support the recruitment of new apprentice roles at the universities of Glasgow, Leicester, Manchester, Strathclyde and York.

Finn Box, Royal Society University Research Fellow at the University of Manchester, helped recruit a new apprentice in November 2024. He explained that this has doubled the number of technical support staff in the department.

He said: “In the long term, this increase in technical support will enable us to expand as a research group with appropriate foundations in place, such as produce more high-quality research.”

Rachel McKell, Modern Apprentice Coordinator, secured funds on behalf of the University of Strathclyde to recruit a new Physics Technical Apprentice. Chantel has been in post there since August 2024 and said: “This apprenticeship has also helped me realise how much I enjoy the aspect of learning and working in this particular field.”

The University of York appointed James, Technical Apprentice, School of Physics, Engineering and Technology, in August 2024. He is currently working towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician qualification.

James said: “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how teaching labs function and the crucial role they play in supporting students, ensuring the labs are fully operational. This experience has allowed me to pursue an apprenticeship that I enjoy and increase my knowledge about all aspects of physics and how important it is.”

Louis Barson, IOP Director of Science, Innovation and Skills, said: “We are proud to support ITSS to deliver this national pilot, which is developing new ways to unlock future careers for new Physics Technical Apprentices nationally.”

Kelly Vere, Director of ITSS and Technician Commitment Lead, said: “It’s incredible to see the benefits this £100,000 has already made within five UK universities to bridge the skills gap within physics. We’ve helped create jobs, inspire the next generation of technicians, facilitate career progression, and increase capacity in technical teams who are supporting research and teaching.

“Thanks to support from the IOP and EPSRC, we are launching another grant to fund a further five apprenticeships within physics from a share of £100,000. There was a significant amount of interest in our 2024 funding call to accelerate the number of technical apprentices being recruited into Physics Technical Apprentice positions and hope to have a similar level of interest this year.”

Dr Daniel Smith, Head of Physical Sciences at EPSRC, said: “A diverse technical workforce is key to the success of the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem. This project, within the field of physics, is proving to be an innovative way to accelerate investment into technical skills, while also nurturing a robust talent pipeline through focused apprenticeships.”

This latest funding call is open until the end of March 2025.