Location – Reading / Basingstoke area (at one of our key sites at
Aldermaston or Burghfield)
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 Materials
and Analytical Science Laboratory Technician Apprentice, you will spend the
first few weeks of your apprenticeship within the Skills Academy; before
joining the Materials and Analytical Sciences team based in our laboratories
across the AWE Aldermaston site. The Materials and Analytical Sciences function
are responsible for the research, testing and analysis of several different
materials ranging from warhead components to environmental samples. This work
is vital in assuring our mission to deliver the warhead is accomplished whilst
keeping our people and environment safe.
During the
time in placements, you will undertake and complete various laboratory-based
tasks 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:
·
Laboratory safety
·
Handling of
hazardous substances- awareness of radioactive and explosive materials
·
Quality and
its application in a laboratory environment
·
Customer
service skills
·
Use of
laboratory equipment
·
Preparation
of substances
·
Sample
preparation
·
Analysis of
samples
·
Data handling
·
Checking and
reporting of results
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
Entry Requirements
·
5 GCSEs at
grade 4/C or above including Maths and English and 3 A Levels including
Chemistry (or equivalent)
·
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 £22,250
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 1/2 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.