Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship is about developing your interest in how products and parts are made safely, accurately and consistently. You will build your knowledge step by step, learning how designs are turned into real processes, tools and practical solutions used in the workplace.

What you'll do

This apprenticeship is about developing your interest in how products and parts are made safely, accurately and consistently. You will build your knowledge step by step, learning how designs are turned into real processes, tools and practical solutions used in the workplace.

You will combine university study with hands-on placements at AWE.

During the apprenticeship, you will learn how manufacturing engineers support areas such as:

• Precision manufacture

• Fabrication

• Joining

• Assembly

• Materials processing

• Tooling

• Inspection

• New production capability.

Working with teams across design, operations, quality, safety and projects, you will start to understand how different parts of engineering come together to make sure work is completed safely and to the right standard.

As you gain confidence, you will take on real engineering tasks with support from experienced colleagues. This could include helping to test or improve manufacturing processes, looking at data, solving practical problems, supporting the development of tools or equipment, and creating clear engineering documents. You will also learn why safety, quality, cost, delivery and sustainability are important in a highly regulated organisation.

Manufacturing now uses a lot of digital technology. You may use computer-aided design and manufacturing tools, digital work instructions, engineering systems and data analysis. You will learn how technology helps teams work accurately, safely and consistently, and why keeping reliable records is so important.

Training

Please note this Apprenticeship is 60 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 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

When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you could move into one of our engineering teams as a Manufacturing Engineer. The exact role will depend on business need and the skills and interests you develop during your apprenticeship.

Future areas could include:

• New product introduction

• Manufacturing system design

• Advanced or digital manufacturing

• Tooling

• Production support or continuous improvement

• You will also continue to be supported as you develop your engineering career, including working towards professional recognition where this is relevant to your role

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Safety and Quality skills

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, 5 GCSEs including Maths, English and a Sci/Eng (grade 4/C or above)
• Essential: A Level, Maths based and Sci/Tech/Eng (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: Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6), Engineering and manufacturing
• Apprenticeship level: Degree (level 6)
• Training provider: AWE PLC
• Expected duration: 5 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: 6
• Wage: £24,500 a year