Apprentice High Performance Computing Specialist

Red Oak Consulting is seeking an apprentice to join our team of High Performance Computing Specialists and Consultants. During the apprenticeship you will study for a degree in Digital and Technology Solutions. The successful candidate will start in managed services and system administration, assisting with support of customers' HPC-AI solutions.

Role

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented person with problem-solving skills. A keen interest in all aspects of High Performance Computing and AI technology (HPC-AI) or the computing technology used to solve complex problems is essential. You will receive a blend of structured learning and hands-on experience to build your technical skills and knowledge of HPC-AI.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

  • Working alongside HPC specialists to provide solutions for customer incidents and service requests, including system and software installations and maintenance.
  • Working with the IT services team to solve internal incidents and service requests.
  • Developing solutions that improve ITSM monitoring, service quality, data visualisation, etc.
  • Deployment, maintenance, optimisation and support of HPC-AI clusters, including Linux servers (nodes), storage and networking.
  • Assist with installation and optimisation of user applications and assisting users with scheduling simulations.
  • Documentation of systems design, configuration, user guides, procedures, etc.
  • Working with Consultants on customer projects including proof of concepts, cost of ownership analysis, HPC-AI strategies, procurements and more.
  • Installation, configuration and support of HPC-AI on-premises and in the Cloud.

Training

You'll be working towards a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Professional degree with Aston University in Birmingham.

This apprenticeship is delivered through blended work-based learning. You'll begin your apprenticeship with a seven-week technical training block on campus, known as the ALE-Advanced Learning Environment, where you'll develop the core computing and business skills needed to become an effective team member in the workplace.

Then you'll spend the majority of your time in the workplace doing a real full-time job as well as studying part-time. Your learning will be made up of a combination of online seminars that take place outside of office hours as well as four days on campus every six months when you can meet face-to-face with your peers and our academics. 

The successful candidate will start in managed services and system administration, assisting the team support customers HPC-AI solutions. On completion of the apprenticeship there will be opportunities within the HPC-AI Managed Service Team or there will be opportunities within the team of HPC-AI Consultants.

Apprenticeship Standard
Digital and technology solutions professional (level 6)
Training Provider
ASTON UNIVERSITY
Working Week
Initially, the working week would be Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Hours may be flexible to allow for customer working hours and required training time.
Expected Duration
4 Years
Positions Available
1
Closing Date
Saturday, 31st January 2026
Start Date
Sunday, 1st February 2026

Desired Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Qualifications

  • a science, technology, engineering related subject GCSE, grade 4 or above (Essential)
  • English GCSE, grade 4 or above (Essential)
  • Mathematics GCSE, grade 4 or above (Essential)
  • a STEM subject A Level, grade C or above, or equivalent BTEC (Essential)
  • another subject A Level, grade C or above, or equivalent BTEC (Essential)
  • Mathematics based subject A Level, grade C or above, or equivalent BTEC (Essential)

About the Employer

Red Oak Consulting
Red Oak Consulting is a specialist High-Performance Computing (HPC) consultancy supporting organisations across academia, research, and industry. We help our clients design, build, optimise, and manage complex HPC and AI environments — always with a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value. As a team, we’re independent, vendor-neutral, and deeply collaborative. We work closely with clients to understand their goals, overcome challenges, and create solutions that genuinely make a difference. Joining Red Oak means being part of a supportive, friendly environment where learning, growth, and curiosity are part of everyday life.
Company
Red Oak Consulting
Location
Red Oak Consulting, Pure Offices, Cheltenham, England
Employment Type
Degree Apprenticeship
Salary
£20,800 a year
Posted
Company
Red Oak Consulting
Location
Red Oak Consulting, Pure Offices, Cheltenham, England
Employment Type
Degree Apprenticeship
Salary
£20,800 a year
Posted