Operations 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
An Operations Apprentice role at AWE will give you your first steps to a career in a diverse and unique environment, involving Manufacturing, Science, and Engineering and other key areas of the business. This would suit candidates that are looking for a new career where a keen eye and precision is a fundamental requirement.
You will have a unique opportunity to work in a variety of placements around our business and will spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship in the AWE’s Skills Academy before moving out into placements within the operations environment. Your learning will be both hands-on assembling components, and office-based where you will gain an understanding of the processes and procedures, to remain compliant with site safety.
You will be key to providing manufacturing and assembly capabilities to the defence and security of the United Kingdom. You will deliver hands-on production and process operations in a highly regulated and safety conscious working environment.
Your role can be physically demanding, so you will be required to pass a medical test for general fitness and suitability to work with our unique materials. This includes having a BMI of under 35, a legal requirement for wearing respiratory protection (role dependent).
About You
A practical aptitude for engineering & technology
Attention to detail
Excellent team working skills
Good communication skills
Awareness of health & safety
Ability to follow instructions
Passionate and motivated
If you have an interest in material findings and assembling, problem solving and applying manufacturing principles into real life scenarios, then we would love to hear from you!
Entry Requirements:
5 GCSE’s at grade 4/C or above including Maths and English (Science desirable)
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) with flexibility moving around sites including Tadley and Burghfield.
Start date - August 2025.
Duration – 3 years
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.
