CAD Technician Apprentice – Level 3 Advanced
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
A CAD Technician (Computer Aided Design) provides support within Mechanical Engineering Design. You will produce and deliver conceptual designs via 3D modelling and fully engineered 2D drawings for manufacture to defined requirements and company standards using Siemens NX CAD Software.
The first part of your training will be spent at the Skills Academy within the workshop, learning basic hand-fitting skills, milling and turning. This part of the training is essential if you want to be a CAD Technician as you will learn how things are made, how they fit together, gain knowledge of material selection and understand the importance of tolerance. You will also be required to attend a local college on day release.
Once you’ve met the required workshop learning, you will undertake focussed professional placements in Design Offices across the business, where you will gain knowledge of the challenges we face, engage in problem solving, and safety requirements.
About You
A practical aptitude for engineering & technology
Computer literacy
Excellent team working skills
Good communication skills
Awareness of health & safety
Ability to follow instructions
Passionate and motivated
If you have an interest in Mechanical Engineering, 3D modelling/2D technical drawing, design communication and/or problem solving, then we would love to hear from you!
Entry Requirements:
5 GCSE’s at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English AND a 5/B in Science
Applicants must be aged 16 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.
If you currently hold a Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or similar, you should consider applying for a degree level apprenticeship.
The Benefits
A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, increasing annually throughout your apprenticeship
Market leading contributory pension scheme
Generous holiday entitlement of 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.
Location – Aldermaston (Reading / Basingstoke area)
Start date - August 2025.
Duration - 3-4 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.
