Technician Scientist Apprenticeship

As a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice at AWE, you will start with an induction in the Skills Academy. After this, you will join laboratory teams at our Aldermaston and Burghfield sites, where you will learn practical skills and gain experience in a real working environment.

What you'll do

As a Technician Scientist (Chemistry) Apprentice at AWE, you will start with an induction in the Skills Academy. After this, you will join laboratory teams at our Aldermaston and Burghfield sites, where you will learn practical skills and gain experience in a real working environment. You will be placed in one of the following areas:

• Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science, where you could support research, testing and analysis of different materials, from warhead components to environmental samples
• Warhead Engineering, where you could support work linked to product design, prototyping, engineering analysis, systems integration, testing and checking that products meet the right requirements. You would work alongside engineers from areas such as electronics, mechanical engineering, systems, materials and chemical engineering

This work is important because it helps AWE deliver its mission safely, while protecting people and the environment.

During your placements, you will carry out a range of laboratory-based tasks. These will help you build the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to work successfully at AWE.

During your apprenticeship, you will learn skills such as:

• Laboratory safety
• Handling hazardous substances safely, including developing awareness of radioactive and explosive materials
• How quality standards are used 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

You will also have opportunities to develop personally through activities such as team-building challenges, organisational awareness presentations, health and safety workshops and charity projects.

Training

The Apprenticeship is 36 months followed by the End Point Assessment.

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

Please note that the training provider for this apprenticeship will be an external organisation and is yet to be confirmed. We will share details once they are finalised. Training may be delivered through either day release or block release, depending on the provider and apprenticeship programme.

After the apprenticeship

When you complete your apprenticeship, you could move into a laboratory technician role within Warhead and Deterrence Materials Science or Warhead Engineering, using a variety of laboratory techniques and processes.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Health and Safety Awareness

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, Maths and English (grade 4/C or above)
• Essential: A Level, x 3 inc Chemistry and another science or maths (grade C or above)
• Desired: BTEC, Applied Science or related (BTEC or A level only) (grade C or above)

Things to consider

Start Date: 1st September 2027.

Annual leave will not be granted from 1st September until 1st October due to mandatory inductions you are required to complete as part of your apprenticeship. Any leave approved after this point will depend on the training provider requirements for your apprenticeship and must be agreed in advance.

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.

If you choose to share information on your application form about support needs, learning differences, disabilities, health conditions or adjustments, we may contact you to understand how we can support you through the recruitment process. This information will only be used for this purpose and will be handled in line with GDPR.

Due to the security requirements associated with this apprenticeship, applicants must be British Nationals and be aged 18 or over by 31 August 2027.

Benefits

• Access to employee discounts portal - everyday savings on retail, hospitality and leisure
• Employee Assistance
• Programme and Occupational
• Health Services
• Alongside these benefits, you will learn from experienced specialists in their fields while contributing to work that supports national nuclear security, threat reduction and counter-terrorism

About the employer

We're a team of remarkable people, united by one extraordinary mission: keeping the UK safe and secure. The UK's independent nuclear deterrent has existed for 75 years to deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life, helping to guarantee our safety, and that of our NATO allies.

Our work is critical. We're delivering Astraea, the next warhead for the UK's nuclear deterrent and pushing the boundaries of nuclear science and technology. But that's just part of the story.

We support the UK government in a range of vital areas – from counter-terrorism to global nuclear test monitoring to building a world-class community of experts in nuclear science. This is work that protects lives and strengthens national security.

At AWE, you'll find more than just a job. You'll find purpose, growth, and a community like no other. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, this is your chance to learn from the best, develop your skills, and be part of something truly unique.

Be extraordinary at AWE.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Technician scientist (level 5), Health and science
• Apprenticeship level: Higher (level 5)
• Training provider: AWE PLC
• Expected duration: 3 Years
• Hours: 37 hours a week. Working week: 9 day fortnight.

33 hrs on the short week, 8hrs 15 mins per day.

41 hrs on the long week, 8hrs 15 mins per day Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8hrs.

Please note hours may alter due to your offsite training establishment training times.

• Start date: 1 September 2027
• Positions available: 5
• Wage: £24,500 a year