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 Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the knowledge and
people skills to enable the design and manufacture of a wide range of
products, materials and tools to support the successful delivery of our
programme of work. Our operations include precision component manufacture,
fabrication, explosive formulation, fissile material production, rubbers and
plastics, and warhead assembly and disassembly.
The
role of a Manufacturing Engineer within this area of our business is to realise
product design, delivering and managing process and tooling designs /
improvements. We work in a highly
regulated environment so this will include the creation and configuration of
manufacturing process documentation in accordance with appropriate procedures
and legislation. This is to make sure that everyone operates safely,
efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way, meeting the requirements
set out by AWE and those of the Professional Body Institutions.
You
will develop a fundamental knowledge of engineering / science principles and
practices. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be able to
demonstrate discipline skills commensurate with your role that typically will
include design, plant performance enhancements, operational management, project
management and maintenance of safety standards utilising analytical thinking to
provide innovative solutions.
Throughout
your apprenticeship you will attend college one day a week to complete your
degree in manufacturing engineering.
As
a Manufacturing Engineer, you will gain skills including:
·
A detailed knowledge of manufacturing techniques and
processes which may include machining, presswork, inspection, moulding and
metallurgy.
·
Design to Manufacture (D2M) experience of tooling or
equipment including requirements capture and presenting at design reviews.
·
Knowledge of materials and their properties
·
Knowledge of design of components, CAD tool design and manufacture
·
Good knowledge of manufacturing systems and knowledge of MRP/ERP
systems
·
An understanding and application of UK Health and Safety
Legislation in a Manufacturing or Production environment including quality
standards, best practice and procedures
·
Experience of applying Lean Manufacturing Techniques, Continuous
Improvement, Quality Tools and Model Based Realisation
·
An ability to produce or assist in the production of Manufacturing
Documentation (designs, drawings, reports, specification and operating
instructions)
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 an 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 for
the nuclear industry
·
PC literate
·
Excellent team
working skills
Entry Requirements:
·
A minimum of 5
GCSE's at grade 4(C) or above, including Maths, English and a Science,
Technology or Engineering related subject
·
A Levels at
grade C or above in both a Mathematical-based subject and a Science,
Technology, Engineering or additional Maths related subject, or 90+ credits in
an Engineering BTEC at level 3.
·
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
·
A starting salary of £22,250 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
– 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.
