Ofcom
Apprentice, Spectrum Engineer Officer
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Closing Date: 22/07/2026 Group: Spectrum Group Management Level: Apprentice Job Type: Fixed Term (Fixed Term)
Job Description:
Please note that this role will close at 00:01 on Wednesday 22 July, and therefore we advise getting your application in by no later than midnight on Tuesday 21 July.
A note on location
This is a field-based role covering the South of England. We welcome applications from candidates based across the region, including (but not limited to) Essex, Suffolk, Sussex, Berkshire, Hampshire, South London, Brighton and surrounding areas. Regular travel is an essential part of the role.
The successful candidate will be expected to attend our Baldock office approximately once per month for team meetings, training and development activities, as well as Birmingham City University for the in-person elements of their apprenticeship programme.
About the Team
Ofcom’s Spectrum Assurance Team is a fundamental part of Spectrum Group’s operational team. The aim is to keep the spectrum free from interference and manage the spectrum appropriately.
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.
Purpose of the Role
Looking for an opportunity to apply your radio engineering skills while playing a vital role in managing the UK’s civil radio spectrum? As an Apprentice Spectrum Engineering Officer, you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality spectrum assurance, supporting one of Ofcom’s key statutory duties—ensuring the effective management and protection of the UK’s civil radio spectrum.
This role combines technical expertise, problem-solving, and investigative work to identify and resolve issues affecting spectrum users. As part of the apprenticeship, you will also complete a fully funded Broadcast and Media Systems Engineer (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) BEng (Hons) from Birmingham City University.
In this unique engineering and regulatory role, you will collaborate with a wide range of Ofcom’s radio and telecoms stakeholders to investigate and resolve harmful interference cases. These issues can disrupt critical safety-of-life systems, such as aircraft radio communications and navigation, as well as essential everyday services like mobile networks. You will be supported by a highly specialised and experienced Ofcom team and gain hands-on experience using state-of-the-art radio measurement equipment, including real-time spectrum analysis tools, backed by relevant regulatory legislation.
Sounds challenging? Don’t worry! You will receive comprehensive training to develop the skills needed for this exciting and rewarding role.
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Your key responsibilities
As an Apprentice Spectrum Engineering Officer (ASEO), you will play a vital role in ensuring the UK’s radio spectrum remains free from interference and unlicensed use. You will receive full training to develop the technical and regulatory skills needed to protect businesses, consumers, and critical communication services.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Investigating and resolving interference cases – Working on cases passed from the Spectrum Management Centre, locating sources of interference, and ensuring timely resolution.
- Providing advice and enforcement support – Offering guidance to spectrum users and, when necessary, taking enforcement action to maintain compliance with regulations.
- Proactively monitoring and investigating spectrum use – Identifying and addressing instances of unlicensed or improper use of the radio spectrum to keep UK businesses and consumers "on the air."
- Managing the radio spectrum within your region – Conducting fieldwork to monitor, inspect, and investigate spectrum use, ensuring services operate legally and efficiently.
The skills, knowledge and experience you will need for success
Core Skills
- Evaluating Problems - Identify and solve issues by using well-thought-out strategies. Consider different angles and potential solutions to resolve concerns.
- Executing Plans - Organise tasks and set clear goals, managing resources wisely, while keeping an eye on progress.
- Embracing Change - Remain flexible in the face of change, anticipating and adjusting to shifts.
- Forming Relationships - Build and nurture positive relationships with people inside and outside the organisation.
- Articulating Ideas - Express your ideas, thoughts, and information in a clear and concise manner, ensuring messages are understood by everyone.
- Pursuing Growth - Actively engages in self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
To thrive in this role, you will need:
- Passion for Radio Spectrum & Engineering – A keen interest in radio spectrum and its role in communications, supported by or working towards a BEng (Hons) in Engineering as part of the apprenticeship.
- Technical & Legal Aptitude – Willingness to develop a strong understanding of radio engineering and legal case management principles (full training provided).
- Hands-On & Practical Experience – Eager to embed within an operational team, gaining practical skills in using specialist Spectrum Engineering Officer (SEO) equipment while applying good governance and health & safety practices.
- Flexibility & Mobility – Open to UK-wide travel for skills development and committed to obtaining a full UK driving licence by December 2027.
- Proactive & Growth-Oriented – A self-motivated learner who seeks feedback, escalates issues when needed, and continuously improves performance.
- Collaboration & Digital Confidence – A strong team player who embraces Ofcom’s values of excellence, agility, and teamwork, while being IT-savvy and adaptable to new systems.
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Full training and development support will be provided throughout your apprenticeship to ensure you gain the expertise needed for success.
Inclusive hiring at Ofcom
At Ofcom, our mission is clear: to make communications work for everyone. To achieve that, our people must reflect the diversity of the UK, in background, identity and experience. We believe innovation thrives when difference is valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute their ideas and perspectives. That’s why we welcome colleagues of all ethnicities and races, sexes, genders and gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, faiths and beliefs, and those with apparent and non-apparent disabilities. We value socio-economic diversity, life experience and neurodiversity too. Whether you’re a carer, a parent, a veteran, or re-entering work after time away, your voice and perspective matter here.
Flexibility is at the heart of how we work because we want you to thrive in a way that suits you best. Most roles can therefore be adapted for part-time hours, job shares, or other flexible arrangements.
Learn more about our Rewards, Benefits and Wellbeing on our careers page.
Our recruitment process is intentionally designed to be open and accessible. If you need adjustments, information in a different format or an alternative way to apply, contact us at resourcing@ofcom.org.uk or 0330 912 1378.
As a proud Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for a role. You can read more about this commitment here.
Whoever you are, whatever your story, you belong at Ofcom. We make communications work for everyone.
As the UK’s communications regulator, we’re delivering vital work that helps keep the UK connected and shapes the future of how we’ll stay connected with each other. Our work covers everything from phones and broadband, through to TV, radio, the postal service, and wireless devices. And we need people of all backgrounds, skill sets, and experiences to help us achieve our goal of making communications work for everyone.
Ofcom’s remit is huge – we keep UK citizens and consumers safe from harm and ensure they receive the best possible service from their communications providers.
Find out more about Ofcom, where we operate, and the different types of work we do to keep the country connected.
At Ofcom we are determined to do all we can to promote diversity and equality inside our organisation and in the wider sectors we regulate. Diversity and equality are fundamental to achieving our purpose to make communications work for everyone. We need to make the best decisions for all UK consumers and citizens. To do this, it is essential that all levels of our organisation are diverse and foster an inclusive culture.
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