Human Resources Apprenticeship

Supporting AWE staff with their development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping managers and employees when workplace issues need to be resolved.

What you'll do

People, Culture and Communication is a function in AWE that directly provides services and support to our Workforce, enabling people to carry out their jobs effectively and make the most of their time at AWE. This includes helping people join the organisation, supporting their development, answering HR queries, recognising achievements, and helping managers and employees when workplace issues need to be resolved. On the Human Resources (HR) Apprenticeship, you will gain skills and knowledge in several areas of the People, Culture and Communication function by spending time in different teams. This will help you understand how HR supports both employees and the wider business.

Your placements may include:

• Case management — supporting with employee relations processes such as investigations, absence management and disciplinary matters
• Reward and recognition — supporting processes linked to pay, benefits and recognising employee achievements
• Recruitment — helping with internal and external recruitment activity at AWE
• HR Business Partners — seeing how HR works with different areas of the business to support people, teams and business priorities
• Learning and Development — supporting training and development opportunities for AWE employees
• HR Help Desk — helping respond to general HR questions and making sure queries reach the right team

Training

Please note this is an 18 month Apprenticeship 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 31st 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

• Reward advisor
• HR Coordinator
• HR Advisor
• HR Associate
• HR Analyst
• HR Advisor Onboarding

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Patience
• Health and Safety Aware

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, 5 GCSEs inc English and Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Things to consider

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

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.

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: HR support (level 3), Business and administration
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: AWE PLC
• Expected duration: 1 Year 6 Months
• 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 Friday, 8hrs.

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

• Start date: 1 September 2027
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £16,750 a year