Quality Inspector Apprenticeship (Level 3 Advanced)
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 Quality Inspector Apprentice your role will include inspection of various mechanical and electrical components that are used within a production or trials environment, working to process written procedures and using your knowledge and experience to interpret requirements directly from drawings. These tasks may include the use of first principle measurements, using a variety of hand instruments, through to computer guided purpose-made precision measurement equipment.
As a Quality apprentice you will initially be based within the Skills Academy, where you will develop your basic knowledge and core skills, before progressing on to the onsite aspect of your training. At this point you will start to apply and further develop these core skills in a live working environment. In addition to the vocational aspects of your training, we will further your knowledge of quality through academic studies as you work towards the completion of your Level 3 Engineering Technician (Pathway 13. Technical Support Technician) Standard.
About You
A practical aptitude for engineering or technology
IT literate
Good communication skills
Excellent team working skills
Health and safety aware
Effective at following instructions
Ability to concentrate for long periods
Passion and motivation for your chosen profession
This role may appeal to you if you enjoy
The practical side of engineering or hands-on activities. For example, we love to hear if you enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together, making things, fixing things or about a practical project you've done at school or home, or a club you've been involved with.
Understanding how mechanical and electrical assemblies work
Understanding how and why the physical properties of a product matter
Studying how components can be assessed, measured and reported
Applying engineering principles into real life scenarios
Using a practical application to find out about the things around you
Having a hands-on approach to problem solving
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including Maths, English and a 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.
