Job description
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 two 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.
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
The Benefits
- A starting salary of £16,750 yearly, 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)
Additional job details
- Location
- Aldermaston
- Salary
- £16,750
- Contract, dates and working times
- Fixed term
Full-time
How to apply
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.
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.
Contact us
If you have questions during the application process, please reach out to the Early Careers Team
Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 30 November 2024
Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.
Closing date: 30 November 2024