Placements / work experience at STFC

** Applications now closed for 2012**

What is the STFC?

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe's largest research organisations supporting scientists and engineers world-wide. The STFC operates on the following sites in the UK:

• Chilbolton Observatory
• Daresbury Laboratory
• Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
• The UK Astronomy Technology Centre (UKATC)

Activities carried out cover a wide range of science, engineering and technology, including materials science, engineering and instrumentation, particle physics, space science, accelerator based technologies, information technology and e-Science.

---

Placements at STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)

The Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is changing the way it does Work Experience.

Due to the popularity of placements and the resources of the scientists, we can only take students from April until August.

Year 10 or 11 students wanting an experience of working in a scientific environment should apply to come in term time between April and July.

Year 12 students looking for a longer term placement should aim to come between April and August.

Important dates

Date	Deadline
05 September	Applications open for the following summer
25 December	Applications close
Feb Half Term	All places are confirmed. Letters to all applicants
6 weeks before placement	All forms to be received by RAL, including Student/Parent Agreement and Indemnity Form.
April - August	Placements begin

How to Apply:

Find out more about the application process:

• The first step is to download and complete the application form (Word document - 615kB - link opens in a new window). At the same time download a copy of the sample indemnity form (PDF - 60kB - link opens in a new window) to show to your school (to ensure they are happy to sign it). Also, for your information, download a copy of the application process (PDF - 60kB - link opens in a new window) - it will help you complete the application form.
  
  
• Once you have completed the application form, email it to us by the 25 December 2011 - unfortunately we cannot accept applications after this date.
  
  
• The next step is a waiting game - we will search for a supervisor for you. You will receive a letter by email or post either confirming your placement

---

Inspiring young people and the wider public is one of the STFC's main objectives. This is achieved through a focused programme of public engagement, promoting careers in science, engineering and technology to maintain the quality of the UK programme.

The Laboratory offers one or two week work experience placements to over 60 students each year, many from local schools and mostly year 10. As far as possible they are placed depending on their interests indicated on the application form.

---

Space Science (link opens in a new window)

RAL has the UK's largest Space Science and Technology Department, which provides world-leading technology development, space test facilities and instrument and mission design.

• "Working on data from the Herschel Telescope was really interesting."
• "Giving a short presentation on my work at RAL to the STEREO team, which went very well."

---

Lasers (link opens in a new window)

The Central Laser Facility is used by scientists from all over Europe to carry out a broad range of experiments in physics, chemistry and biology. It is home to Vulcan, the world's highest-intensity focused laser.

• " I tested and labelled some filters. I learnt about what goes on doing hands-on experiments."

---

Computing (link opens in a new window)

The e-Science Department provides first class computing support and services to staff and users on the site. Computational science and engineering activities within STFC enable predictions from complex models to be calculated and compared directly with experimental data. Our e-Science centre is involved with the collection, storage and handling for the huge volumes of data which the large experiments generate.

---

Particle physics (link opens in a new window)

Particle physics investigates the structure of matter at the deepest possible level. Doing this requires the very highest energies, and particle physics experiments often use huge particle accelerators and complex computer programming.

• "I learnt a huge amount about particle physics, theoretical, experimental and the managerial side of the work."

ISIS (link opens in a new window)is a particle accelerator and neutron producer and allows us to look inside materials, like a powerful microscope.

• "I enjoyed looking round the target station and the different beam lines."
• "I learnt about small angle neutron scattering which I now almost understand."

Priority is given to older students as under 16s are not allowed in the experimental hall.

---

Engineering/Technology (link opens in a new window)

The engineering department designs and builds world-leading equipment for STFC. Staff have a wide range of skills: applied physicists, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineers. The engineering department is key to the design and manufacture of a wide range of detectors, space satellites and micro manufactured components.

---

Other

We also have occasional opportunities in our communications, media, photographic, support services and finance departments.

---

This is what some of the students who came recently said:

"I felt like an adult and was able to experience a working day and what it entails."

"I have learnt to appreciate education even more, realising that good grades will open the door to an interesting career in science."

"It has made me consider a scientific career more seriously because of the interesting working style and context."

"I now realise that mathematics is everything."

If you have any enquiries about the STFC work experience programme, please email us.