Sample application questions – UK ATC

This is a sample of the UK ATC application form and only contains ‘longer answer’ questions. Questions may be subject to change.

The online application form will also ask for personal details, including contact information, school details, placement availability and accessibility information. We will also require you to have parental permission for you to complete the form.

All applications must be submitted via the online application form which will go live at midday on Monday 6th January . Applications for 2025 will close on 14th March 2025.

The online application form should be completed by students, rather than parents or guardians, but please do ask someone to check over your form. This can be a parent/guardian or teacher at school, or trusted adult. Students will have the opportunity to save their progress and revisit their form but you might want to consider preparing answers to these longer questions in a word document ahead of applying. All applications must be completed and submitted by 14th March in order to be considered for the programme.

Sample questions

Sample question 1

For this work experience programme we’re keen that students have the following skills:

Essential Skills

– Willingness to learn and ask questions
– Enthusiasm for science and engineering
– Ability to work well and can communicate with others

Desirable Skills

– Ability to work safely in a lab or shared space
– Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel

Please tell us about your own skills and how they might be useful for a placement with us. We encourage you to use examples.

Suggested word count 100 to 200 words.

Sample question 2

Why do you want to do a work experience placement at UK Astronomy Technology Centre?
Please tell us about why you are particularly interested in joining us for a space engineering work experience project. Are there specific instruments or areas of work that you are curious about? We strongly encourage you to look at the projects on our website and think about what is exciting about them: www.ukatc.stfc.ac.uk
Suggested word count 100 to 200 words.

Sample question 3

We are looking for a broad range of students to take part in our work experience students with a mix of different skills and experiences.
Tell us something that makes you unique or unusual and how it might come in useful during a work experience placement.
Suggested word count 100 to 200 words.