Location – Reading / Basingstoke area
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
There are a wide variety of mechanical maintenance roles
at AWE such as working on the steam powered heating systems, servicing,
checking and hanging filters within air handling units, bearing checks and heat
and vibration level checks on motors, and perform routine services.
As a Mechanical Maintenance Apprentice, you will learn
the basics of hand tools then move onto learning the operations of various
machines such as milling machines, pillar drill and lathes. You will gain a
variety of skills including setting up rigs, maintenance and set up of basic
pipe fittings, and making crank sets. Other skills will include disassembling
and reassembling equipment such as vacuum pumps, Ogden pumps and calorifiers.
Further experience gained during your apprenticeship will include using hydraulic
lifting equipment, cranes, compressed air, heater batteries and air ventilation
systems. You will also learn how to make gaskets, pipework (which you will also
pressure-test), and re-build gearboxes.
Please be aware that a period of your training will be
delivered from an offsite location based in Culham. Return transport will be
provided from the AWE Aldermaston site and will ensure (where possible) that
the journey is complete within your working day.
After up to 2 years of hands-on learning, you will then
spend another year on placements out in the business. Your experience on these
placements could include working on steam leaks and fixing pipework, ultrasound
surveys, vibration analysis, and working in the trial assembly &
disassembly of explosives.
About You
You'll need to demonstrate:
·
A practical
aptitude for engineering or technology
·
Computer
literacy (PC)
·
Excellent
team working skills
·
Good
communication skills
·
Awareness of
health and safety
·
The ability
to follow instructions
·
The ability
to concentrate for long periods
·
A real
passion and motivation for this type of work
This role may appeal to you if you enjoy
·
Understanding
how mechanical assemblies work
·
Understanding
how heating, ventilation and cooling systems work
·
Understanding
the operation and maintenance of rotating plant and equipment
·
Problem
solving activities
·
Being hands
on
·
Applying
engineering principles into real life scenarios
Entry Requirements
·
GCSEs 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
·
We offer our apprentices a starting salary of
£16750, 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 – 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.
