Apprentice Spectrum Engineering Officer - Field based

Closing Date: 12/05/2023 Group: Spectrum Group Management Level: Apprentice Job Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term) Job Description: Team overview Ofcom looks after communications in the UK. From phones and broadband to TV, radio, post and wireless devices, we regulate services at the heart of people’s everyday lives. We are here to help communications work for everyone. We use wireless telegraphy every day to communicate over the airwaves, including voice messages, data, remote control, navigation (GPS) or using radar to find the location of objects. Spectrum is a vital resource used by almost everyone, consumers as well as businesses and it touches everyone's life every day. The radio spectrum connects our mobiles, wireless headphones, tablets and computers. It enables our key fobs to unlock our cars, the Met Office to forecast the weather, satellites to measure global warming, concerts and shows to be seen and heard. TV and radio broadcasting would not exist without it. Without access to Spectrum police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and air traffic control would not be able to communicate - it's that important. Spectrum Assurance is a large team consisting of two core elements, the network of field-based Spectrum Engineering Officers (SEO) and Spectrum Management Centre (SMC), Ofcom's 24-hour operations hub. The field-based team is split into four main areas. Each regional team has circa 8 spectrum engineering officers which includes 2 senior engineers who will help each other manage and protect the UK's radio spectrum, delivering a wide range of vital services to the UK businesses and consumers. The Spectrum Assurance team is ISO9001 accredited and operates a policy of continuous improvement. It is the role of Spectrum Assurance to investigate cases of harmful interference and unlicensed radio use and providing advice and assistance to citizens and consumers. We have three field based roles available, one within commutable distance to each of the following locations - Birmingham, Warrington and Baldock. Requirements of the Role This unique opportunity will play a crucial role, inspiring the team to meet Ofcom’s ambition to make communications work for everyone. You will work with fellow SEOs to assist the management team to help steer appropriate spectrum management. Spectrum Engineering Officers not only provide advice and assistance, but where necessary they undertake enforcement action to resolve interference issues. SEO’s will additionally monitor and proactively investigate improper use of the spectrum, to keep the UK businesses and consumers “on the air.” During this apprenticeship you will:

• Attain a minimum of an BEng (Hon’s) Engineering
• Reach a good theoretical understanding of radio engineering matters
• Develop an understanding of legal and case management matters and learn to apply them practically
• Embed within operational teams and develop practical skills including use of all SEO equipment
• Develop good governance practices, including H&S
• Demonstrate a willingness to travel across the UK to develop appropriate skills
• Pass driving test by end of apprenticeship period
• Have an appreciation of, and desire to, promote Ofcom's values of excellence, agility, empowerment, collaboration and respect
• Be IT Competent
• Demonstrate good communication skills
• Take a proactive and positive approach
• Demonstrate an interest in radio spectrum / engineering

Qualification and Experience to be gained You will undertake a fully funded four-year, Level 6 Engineering Apprenticeship at Warwick University in addition to your on-the-job work commitments, as part of the apprenticeship studies you will attend regular block releases at Warwick, with Ofcom providing travel and local accommodation. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship we will support your application to a permanent role at Ofcom. Competencies

• Plans and prioritises effectively, monitoring quality and productivity. Accepts accountability for delivering excellence in a timely and cost-effective manner. Adheres to and understands corporate governance and processes. Understands how own contribution fits with others.
• Communicates openly, honestly and with respect. Provides clarity in written and verbal communication, avoiding unnecessary complexity. Influences by making it easy for others to understand and buy-in to rationale. Anticipates objections and responds professionally, listening to the views of others and encouraging two-way conversations.
• Is insightful, seeking to develop a range of solutions to problems. Uses data and tools effectively to explore the root cause of issues. Seeks opportunities for improvement/generates new ideas to optimise outcomes. Understands how issues fit into the bigger picture.
• Applies knowledge to achieve objectives. Shares expertise and knowledge with others. Maintains an awareness of organisational development e.g., strategic initiatives. Develops knowledge and expertise beyond own area/specialism e.g., Market trends and sector developments. Explicitly links overarching strategy to all individual and team activities.

Qualifications Required

• GCSE at grades C/5 or above in Maths & English and an additional STEM subject
• A Level at Maths Grade B or above
• A Level Engineering or Relevant Stem Subject (Physics recommended)

Benefits At Ofcom, we know that a competitive salary isn’t the only way to reward people for the important work they do. That’s why all our employees have access to a standard benefits package, and a range of additional benefits to choose from – giving them the flexibility to create a benefits package that truly rewards them. Standard Benefits Package:

• Flexible benefits allowance
• Pension allowance
• 25 days’ holiday
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Annual health check
• Income protection insurance

Diversity & Inclusion at Ofcom Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly “make communications work for everyone”. Here at Ofcom, our vision is to ensure people are part of an environment when they can truly strive and be themselves, therefore we aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – irrespective of social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. We are an organisation that strives to be truly representative of the whole of the UK and our aim is to be an employer of choice for everyone. We champion flexible working and so wherever possible we support flexible working patterns including job shares. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meets the minimum selection criteria of the role as outlined in the job specification, if applicants would like to be considered under this scheme. We pride ourselves on ensuring all candidates are treated fairly throughout the application and selection process including making our process as accessible as possible. You can find more information on the scheme here. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/jobs/disability-confident-scheme Should you require any adjustments to be made, please do contact us directly at ofcomresourcing@omnirms.com For more information and guidance please visit: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/ask-for-adjustments-at-interview Ofcom is a forward-thinking, inclusive employer and recognises the value of diversity to truly “make communications work for everyone”. Here at Ofcom, our vision is to ensure people are part of an environment when they can truly strive and be themselves, therefore we aim to recruit from the widest pool of candidates possible – irrespective of social background, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability. We are an organisation that strives to be truly representative of the whole of the UK and our aim is to be an employer of choice for everyone. We champion flexible working and so wherever possible we support flexible working patterns including job shares.
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview disabled applicants who meets the minimum selection criteria of the role as outlined in the job specification, if applicants would like to be considered under this scheme. We pride ourselves on ensuring all candidates are treated fairly throughout the application and selection process including making our process as accessible as possible. You can find more information on the scheme here. https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/jobs/disability-confident-scheme

Should you require any adjustments to be made, please do contact us directly at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or call 0330 912 1378