Building Services Apprenticeship (Level 6 Degree)
Location – Reading / Basingstoke area (AWE Burghfield site)
About AWE
We are AWE. We're a team of remarkable people achieving an extraordinary mission: keeping the nation safe and secure.
Our work is critical. We are responsible for delivering the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent; working at the forefront of nuclear technologies that keep the nation safe.
AWE’s support for the government’s strategy takes many facets: from supporting the weapon programme for the nuclear deterrent, supporting the UK’s counter terrorist programme, identifying where there may be nuclear tests taking place around the world, and building an expert group of individuals in order to give the UK real depth in nuclear science and technology.
Start an extraordinary career at AWE; grow your skills, learn from industry experts and become part of a community at one of the most unique companies in the UK.
About The Role
As a Building Services Engineering Degree Apprentice, you will work towards a BEng (Hons) in Building Services Engineering. The programme includes:
Part time day release: Apprentices attend university once a week
Formal lectures, study guides, course notes, directed reading, class tutorials, assignments, small group projects, workshops and laboratories.
Assessment of the academic element of this apprenticeship will consist of coursework, exams and timed assessments.
Employer focused contextual content
As a Building Services Engineer degree apprentice, first we’ll teach you the fundamental scientific principles that support mechanical and electrical building services. Following this, you’ll explore in more depth how to operate and control heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In the final year, we’ll focus on sustainability: the dynamic thermal performance of buildings, energy resources, combined heat and power, wind power generation and lighting and electrical systems.
We set lots of design projects to simulate a working environment and you can expect to use computer modelling techniques to optimise and refine your design proposals, as well as laboratory/workshop experiments.
Following completion of your placements and subject to the business needs and your career aspirations, your final role placement will be selected, and you will complete your training as a professional engineer in this area.
About You
Good communication skills (i.e. technical speaking, active listening, professional writing, professional body language and technical presentation)
Reliability with a high level of respect for confidentiality on work-related and personal matters
Ability to work autonomously and interact effectively within a wide, multi-disciplinary project team
Ability to understand the impact of work on others, especially where related to diversity and equality
Good time management skills (i.e. planning and completing work to schedule)
A supportive attitude to change and ability to respond positively to change management processes
Ownership for personal development
Open attitude towards receiving feedback
Committed to health & safety (i.e. personal, workplace, radiological and nuclear)
Effective at following rules, procedures and principles
Enthusiasm and motivation for the nuclear industry
PC literate
Excellent team working skills
Ability to concentrate for long periods
This role may appeal to you if you enjoy
Understanding how things work and improving them
Solving problems in different ways
Working with Control Systems (Coding Raspberry PI/Arduino, hacking consumer electronics, small audio electronic projects etc.)
Working with Mechanical Assemblies (Car/bike/clock maintenance, restoration, and modification etc.)
Working with Electrical Systems (Home electrical maintenance, changing sockets/light fittings, vehicle electrical systems)
Interest in learning / improving practical applications
Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios
Entry Requirements
A Level BBC or; BTEC National Diploma DDM or; Access to Engineering qualifications with 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits including Maths and Physical Science credit or; Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 128 UCAS points. Level 3 qualifications must include Maths and Physics.
Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs A-C including Maths and English or equivalent (GCSEs grade C/4 or above).
Applicants must be aged 18 or over, as of 31st August 2025 due to security clearance requirements
You must be a British National to apply for a role with us.
The Benefits
We offer our apprentices a starting salary of £22,250, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
Market leading contributory pension scheme
Generous holiday entitlement 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off
Access to employee discounts portal, everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services
Alongside these benefits you will get the opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in their field whilst helping us to continue to deliver national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism solutions.
Start Date – August 2025.
Duration – 5.5 years (varies depending on personal performance)
Recruitment Process
We recruit on a rolling basis which means as soon as our positions have been filled, the scheme will close to new applications. So, please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
These roles are governed by Health and Safety at Work Regulations and require all candidates to have an Occupational Health pre-employment medical held at AWE which follows the initial selection process. All candidates must be willing and able to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role and be willing and able to work in designated areas.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.
Any inclusion information you provide us will be used to encourage and support you through the application process and will be held only for this purpose in accordance with GDPR.
