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
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
- Five 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.
- 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.
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 – Three years
Additional job details
- Location
- Aldermaston · with flexibility moving around sites including Tadley and Burghfield.
- 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 24 January 2025
Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.
Closing date: 24 January 2025