STFC are thrilled to be awarded the 2026 Apprentice Employer of the Year award from the Institute of Physics. The award recognises the innovative QuEST programme and the impact it’s already having in producing highly capable, placement-ready apprentices equipped with advanced technical skills and a strong understanding of strategically important technologies.
Congratulating this year’s award winners, IOP President Paul Howarth said:
“Our award winners represent the very best of physics. Through their curiosity, expertise and dedication, they are expanding knowledge, driving innovation and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Their contributions strengthen our discipline, benefit society and show what can be achieved through a career in physics. I hope they take great pride in this well-deserved recognition and that their success encourages others to follow in their footsteps.”
Helen Johnson, Head of STFC Skills Centre and Project Lead for QuEST, who will be attending the IOP Celebration of Physics to receive the award on behalf of STFC and the QuEST programme said:
“STFC have been supporting early careers cohorts for over 30 years and with the addition of the QuEST programme, we are proud to be providing exceptional training in areas where there are critical skills shortages. QuEST is a true collaboration and the growing interest and support from industry partners makes it absolutely unique within current apprenticeship training.
The whole team have worked incredibly hard and are all extremely proud of how far QuEST has come and with plans to expand in 2027 as we prepare to launch QuEST North, we are all excited to see what the future holds for our programme and the apprentices who benefit from it.”
