Joel is Boulby Underground Laboratory’s Health and Safety Technician Apprentice, having started his STFC apprenticeship in September 2025.

Six months down the line, we caught up with Joel to ask him a few questions about his experience so far working in one of the UK’s most unique research environments. Here’s what he had to say…

What were your first thoughts when you applied to work at Boulby Underground Laboratory?

I had no idea what to expect when I first applied. The concept of working in an underground science facility sounded like something out of a movie! I definitely thought it sounded awesome.

What does a day underground look like for you?

My days are typically quite varied. I get to be involved in all sorts of stuff, from helping out with jobs around the lab to talking on live links. My main project so far has been developing an app for recording H&S data.

What’s it like working 1.1 km underground in a mine? Has anything surprised you about the environment or the underground lab?

I mean, the fact that it’s even there was surprising at first! It’s very interesting to work in such an environment and I always enjoy my time down in the mine. I first thought it was quite warm but I’ve acclimatised now. It feels very surreal to be walking around in a mine and seeing cars and buildings – I’d never have expected it.

Boulby hosts a broad range of multidisciplinary science, from Earth and environmental sciences to dark matter detector R&D. Have you had the chance to get involved with anything cutting-edge and if so, what? 

I’ve had the chance to get involved with a couple of different projects. For example, I helped oversee some work on the BUTTON-30 tank and I’ve helped out with operating the water system for that experiment too. I’ve also written COSHH assessments to be used for activities within the BUGS facility here at the lab. 

If you could give advice to someone considering an apprenticeship at Boulby Underground Laboratory, what would you tell them? 

If they’re just considering applying, then definitely put the application in. It’s the best thing I ever did as it’s such a cool place to work full of great people.

Article by Joel Manton and Jonathan Gutteridge. 21/05/2026.