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
As a Physics Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will
spend the first few weeks of your apprenticeship within AWE’s Skills Academy
before moving out into placements within the business. Experimental Physics at
AWE involves the study of unusual materials in extreme conditions. Placements
range from working with high power lasers to diagnosing high explosives.
During the time in placements, you will undertake and
complete various laboratory-based projects which will enable you to develop a
complete set of skills and knowledge required to work successfully at AWE.
During your apprenticeship
journey, you will learn the following skills:
·
Preparing and setting up optical
equipment
·
Assembly and metrology of complex
physics experiments
·
Operating diagnostic equipment
·
Use of specialist laboratory
equipment
·
Checking and reporting of results
·
Laboratory safety
·
Handling of hazardous substances
– awareness of radioactive and explosive materials
·
Quality and its application in a
laboratory environment
·
Customer service skills
In addition, you will also be given the opportunity for
personal development through activities such as team building challenges,
organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity
projects.
A part of this role will require wearing Health and
Safety equipment such as a respirator. Therefore, successful candidates will
need to undergo a medical assessment for suitability for the position within
the required parameters for the health and safety equipment’s requirements.
About You
·
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 for this type of
work
·
Computer literate particularly
with MS Office (Excel, PowerBI, and Power Point)
Entry Requirements
·
5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including
Maths, English and Science
·
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 £16,750, 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 – 2 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.
