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
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)
- Five 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.
- 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 – Two years
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